Readiness for Living Independently Among Emerging Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

Purpose The purpose of the study was to examine the association of time (high school to post-high school), living situation (independent of parents or not), diabetes-specific self-efficacy, and worry about hypoglycemia and how diabetes-specific self-efficacy and worry about hypoglycemia are associated with diabetes management among emerging adults with type 1 diabetes. Participants (N = 114) completed measures on diabetes management, diabetes-specific self-efficacy, and worry about hypoglycemia during the last 6 months in high school (T1) and diabetes management, diabetes-specific self-efficacy, and living situation post-high school (T2). General linear mixed model for the diabetes management outcome was used to test associations with diabetes-specific self-efficacy, worry about hypoglycemia, time, and living situation independent variables. Moderation by diabetes-specific self-efficacy and worry about hypoglycemia was also tested. Diabetes management increased from high school to post-high school but was not significantly associated with living situation (independent of parents or not). Diabetes management was better for youth with greater diabetes-specific self-efficacy. However, neither diabetes-specific self-efficacy nor worry about hypoglycemia moderated the relationship between diabetes management and time or between diabetes management and living situation. Diabetes management improved over time for these emerging adults with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes-specific self-efficacy is important for diabetes management regardless of whether youth are in high school or post-high school and whether living with parents or not.