D-ACTnow-A diabetes-specific group-based psychological intervention for young adults with type 1 diabetes and elevated diabetes distress: Results from a single-arm pilot study.

AIM: To test the feasibility of a group-based psychological intervention for young adults with type 1-diabetes and elevated diabetes distress.

METHODS

Young adults (18-30 years), screened for diabetes distress using the Type 1 Diabetes Distress Scale (T1-DDS), participated in six group sessions led by a psychologist and a diabetes nurse. The intervention was based on Acceptance and Commitment Theory (ACT) and focused on reducing diabetes distress. Feasibility was assessed through trial recruitment, intervention completion, intervention acceptability and preliminary estimates of effect size (T1-DDS, HbA1c, continuous glucose measurement), using descriptive statistics, t-test and systematic text condensation of interviews.

RESULTS

During May 2023-December 2023, 22 young adults were recruited; 20 completed the intervention with high acceptability. Participants (85% women, mean age 23.6 years) showed significant reductions in diabetes distress (T1-DDS: 1.2, p < 0.0001). No changes were found in HbA1c or glucose time-in-range. Qualitative analyses highlighted benefits of sharing experiences with peers, gaining clarity and practicing coping strategies, supporting the intervention's feasibility and potential effectiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention is feasible and acceptable with encouraging diabetes distress improvements. Minor adjustments will optimize the intervention for the upcoming RCT.