Diabetes distress and associations with demographic and clinical variables. A nationwide population-based registry study of 10,186 adults with type 1 diabetes in Norway

Abstract

<p dir="ltr">Objectives </p><p dir="ltr">Estimate diabetes distress prevalence and associations with demographic and clinical variables among adults with type 1 diabetes in Norway.</p><p dir="ltr">Research Design and Methods </p><p dir="ltr">In this nationwide population-based registry study, the Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID-20) was sent to 16,255 adults with type 1 diabetes. Linear regression models examined associations of demographic and clinical variables with distress.</p><p dir="ltr">Results </p><p dir="ltr">In total, 10,186 people (62.7%) completed the PAID-20; mean score 25.4 (SD 18.4) and 21.7% reported high distress. Respondents endorsed worrying about the future and complications as the most problematic item (23.0%). Female sex, younger age, non-European origin, primary education only, unemployment, smoking, continuous glucose monitoring usage, more symptomatic hypoglycemia, reduced foot sensitivity, treated retinopathy and higher HbA1c were associated with higher distress. </p><p dir="ltr">Conclusions </p><p dir="ltr">Diabetes distress is common among adults with type 1 diabetes and associated with clinically relevant factors, underlining that regular care should include efforts to identify and address distress</p>