Diabetes-Related Distress in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes
https://doi.org/10.15605/jafes.041.S1
- Author:
Nur Sabrina Rusli
1
;
Mohd Shafiq Azanan
2
;
Azriyanti Anuar Zaini
2
Author Information
1. Universiti Malaya; Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia
2. Universiti Malaya
- Publication Type:Other Types
- MeSH:
Adolescent;
Humans;
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1
- From:
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies
2026;41(S1):128-
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction:Adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are vulnerable to diabetes-related distress (DRD), an emotional burden that may
adversely affect glycemic control. Data on DRD among adolescents in Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, remain
limited. This study aims to determine the prevalence of DRD and examine its association with glycemic control and sociodemographic background among Malaysian adolescents with T1D.
Methodology:This cross-sectional study recruited adolescents aged 10–19 years with T1D attending a tertiary Paediatric Endocrine Clinic
in Malaysia between May and August 2025. DRD was assessed using two validated instruments: the Problem Areas in
Diabetes–Teen version (PAID-T) and the Type 1 Diabetes Distress Scale (T1-DDS). Sociodemographic and clinical data,
including glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), were collected. Associations between distress, glycemic control, and other
variables were analyzed using non-parametric tests, correlation analyses, and multiple linear regression.
Results:Seventy adolescents participated (median age: 14.65 years). Moderate to severe DRD was reported by 32.9% using PAID-T
and 38.6% using T1-DDS. Higher distress scores on both instruments were significantly correlated with poorer current and
prior HbA1c levels. Adolescents with HbA1c ≤7.0% were more likely to report minimal distress compared to those with
higher HbA1c (p = 0.042, T1-DDS). Subdomain analyses revealed strong associations between emotional distress domains,
particularly powerlessness and family/friends distress, and higher HbA1c. In multivariable regression, DRD, body mass
index, and family/friends distress together explained 35% of the variance in HbA1c. Attendance at diabetes management
camps was not associated with differences in distress levels.
Conclusion:Approximately one-third of Malaysian adolescents with T1D experience clinically significant DRD, which is strongly
associated with suboptimal glycemic control. Emotional and family-related distress appear to play a particularly important
role. Routine screening and targeted psychosocial interventions should be integrated into adolescent diabetes care to
improve both emotional well-being and metabolic outcomes.
- Full text:2026080510263958963BP_P001.pdf
