A Profile of Self-Care Behaviors in Emerging Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to characterize daily diabetes self-care behaviors and to evaluate associations among self-care behaviors, psychosocial adjustment, and glycemic control in an understudied sample of emerging adults with type 1 diabetes. Methods Forty-nine emerging adults (65% women; ages 18-26 years) completed 2 diabetes interviews to assess self-care behaviors and self-report measures of psychosocial adjustment. Glycemic control was assessed via hemoglobin A1C. Results Diabetes self-care behaviors varied widely and were largely suboptimal; only a small percentage of participants demonstrated self-care behaviors consistent with national and international recommendations. Psychosocial adjustment was within normal limits and was unrelated to frequency of self-care behaviors in this sample. Mean glycemic control (8.3%) was higher than the recommended A1C level (< 7.0%) for this age group. Use of intensive (eg, multiple daily injections or pump) insulin regimens was related to better glycemic control. Conclusions The majority of emerging adults in this sample did not engage in optimal daily diabetes self-care. Intensive insulin therapy was associated with better glycemic control without corresponding psychosocial distress. Diabetes care behaviors could be improved in this age group, and emerging adults may benefit from targeted education and behavioral support to enhance diabetes self-management and optimize health outcomes.