The Relationship of Worry About Hypoglycemia With Diabetes-specific and Typical Youth Behavior Among Emerging Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

Kathleen M. Hanna, Michael T. Weaver, Timothy E. Stump, J. Dennis Fortenberry, Linda A. Dimeglio

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Little is known about the relationship of worry about hypoglycemia with diabetes-specific and typical youth behaviors among emerging adults with type 1 diabetes. This study's purpose was to examine the relationship among worry about hypoglycemia, diabetes management, and glycemic control within the context of alcohol use, hypoglycemia-related weight control behaviors, depressive symptoms, and impulse control among emerging adults with type 1 diabetes. The sample was 181 emerging adults with type 1 diabetes who were part of a larger study. Path analysis was used to test associations among worry about hypoglycemia, diabetes management, hypoglycemia-related weight control behaviors (WCB), alcohol use, impulse control, depressive symptoms, and glycemic control. Path model fit and modification indices suggested that a feedback loop between worry about hypoglycemia and diabetes management should be incorporated into the original model. Youth with fewer depressive symptoms reported fewer hypoglycemia-related WCB and less worry about hypoglycemia; those with higher impulse control had less alcohol use and better diabetes management; those with lower alcohol use had more worry about hypoglycemia; and better glycemic control was associated with better diabetes management. Health care professionals need to understand how multiple factors related to worry about hypoglycemia and diabetes management interact in emerging adults. In the context of depressive symptoms, impulse control, alcohol use, and hypoglycemia-related WCB, the path model results suggest several potential avenues for intervening to improve glycemic control in emerging adults.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)533-542
Number of pages10
JournalThe Diabetes Educator
Volume40
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2014

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Health Professions (miscellaneous)

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