The psychological profile of youth and young adults with type 1 diabetes in New Zealand

Background The psychological status of New Zealanders living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is unknown. This study's purpose is to determine the prevalence of general wellbeing, diabetes-specific distress, and disordered eating, and explore their relationships with glycemic control. Methods Participants were patients aged 15-24 years with T1D (N = 200) who attended their routine multidisciplinary clinic at the Waikato Regional Diabetes Service. They completed questionnaires including the World Health Organization Well-Being Index, the Problem Areas in Diabetes scales, and the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised. Clinical and demographic information were also collected. Results Median age of participants was 19.3 years and 14% identified as Maori (indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand). Median HbA1c was 73 mmol/mol. One fifth of participants experienced low emotional wellbeing, including 7.5% who experienced likely depression. Diabetes distress was found in 24.1%, and 30.7% experienced disordered eating behaviors. Differences were identified between Maori and non-Maori in measures of diabetes distress and disordered eating, with Maori more likely to score in clinically significant ranges (50% vs. 19.9%; 53.6% vs. 26.7%, p < 0.05). Disordered eating was correlated with Hb(A1c), body mass index, and social deprivation; diabetes distress was associated with Hb(A1c) and inversely with age (all p < 0.05). Conclusions This study is the first of its kind to determine that New Zealanders living with T1D experience significant psychological distress. Research with larger Maori representation is needed to more closely review identified inequities. Replication in other local clinics will help contribute to the ongoing development of normative data for Aotearoa New Zealand.