The transition challenge: quality of life, diabetes distress, and glycemic outcomes in emerging adults with type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVES

Limited data exist on the relationship between diabetes distress (DD), quality of life, and metabolic control in Polish adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) during transition to adult care. This study examines associations among Polish 18-year-olds with T1DM as they transition from pediatric to adult diabetes care.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study enrolled 110 consecutive patients aged 18 years with T1DM who completed the Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) questionnaire and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36v1). Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) parameters were used to evaluate metabolic control.

RESULTS

Diabetes distress (DD) correlated with all quality of life scales but not with glycemic control. Women reported higher diabetes-related distress (p = 0.017) and poorer mental health (p = 0.009) than men. Smokers demonstrated worse glycemic parameters (p = 0.016) and poorer mental health (p = 0.008). Unexpectedly, poorer glycemic control was associated with better quality of life. A longer disease duration and an earlier age at onset were associated with worse glycemic control.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes distress is more closely associated with quality of life than metabolic control in Polish 18-year-olds with T1DM. Females, individuals with longer disease duration, and smokers may benefit from targeted interventions emphasizing both psychological support and diabetes education.