Disruptions in Lifestyle Habits and Access to Social Support in the Time of COVID-19: Associations With Diabetes Distress and Depression Among Adults With Type 1 Diabetes Living in British Columbia

Abstract

ObjectivesIn this study, we examined rates of diabetes distress and depressive symptoms in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) during the COVID-19 lockdown and its association with disruptions in lifestyle habits and access to social support. MethodsThis cross-sectional investigation included a convenience sample of 60 adults with T1D who completed a survey assessing diabetes distress (Type 1 Diabetes Distress Scale), depressive symptoms (Personal Health Questionnaire-9), and disruptions in lifestyle habits (sleep patterns, dietary patterns, exercise routine) and access to support from family/friends. Linear regression analyses examined COVID-19 disruption variables as predictors of diabetes distress and depressive severity. ResultsSeventy-three percent and 38% of participants reported elevated diabetes distress and depressive symptoms, respectively. Greater eating disruption predicted higher depressive symptom severity (β=1.33, p=0.045) and eating distress (β=0.28, p=0.045). Greater social support disruption predicted higher eating distress (β=0.36, p=0.019). ConclusionsFindings revealed high rates of diabetes distress and depressive symptoms in this T1D sample during the COVID-19 lockdown. Moreover, disruptions in some lifestyle habits and access to social support were associated with worse mental health outcomes.