Perceived Health and Mental Well-Being of College Students with Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

College students with type 1 diabetes (T1D) face a number of stressors during their transition to college. While all students encounter a new environment, late nights, erratic schedules, sleep disruption, changed support systems, and exposure to risky behaviors, students with T1D must also manage their diabetes under these conditions. A1c levels of young adults with T1D are statistically the highest of any other age group. However, little is known about the health and mental well-being perception of college students with T1D. College students (n=371) nationwide between 18-25 years old (22.48 ±2.33) enrolled and completed an electronic survey on perceived health and mental health outcomes. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses compared college students with T1D who are members of a university-based diabetes student organization to non-members. Member participants were significantly less likely to report increased levels of isolation (p <0001), depressive symptoms (p<.0001), and anxiety (p <0001) related to nonmembers. Member participants also reported decreased frequency of low blood glucose events and lowered A1c (p-value <.0001) since joining organization. University-based diabetes student organizations and connection with other students with T1D may have health benefits. These findings underscore the potential importance of peer-led, diabetes-specific support for emerging young adults.Table 1.Comparison of college students (18-25) who are members and non-members of a university-based diabetes student organizations (n = 371)OutcomeaMember N(%)Non-Member N(%)Test StatisticSigSince becoming a member and starting college my:Level of isolation has:χ2(df=4) = 101.7p<.0001Decreased significantly60(24.6%)3(2.4%)Decreased119(48.8%)24(18.9%)Not changed/the same54(22.1%)66(52.0%)Increased10(4.1%)26(20.5%)Number of low blood sugar eventsFisher’s Exactbp<.0001Decreased significantly3(1.2%)2(2.4%)Decreased28(11.5%)19(15.0%)Not changed/the same198(81.2%)50(39.4%)Increased13(5.3%)52(41%)Increased significantly2(0.82%)3(2.4%)Hemoglobin A1C hasχ2(df=2) = 73.0p<.0001Lowered75(33.2%)43(35.0%)Not Changed132(58.4%)26(21.1%)Risen19(8.4%)54(43.9%)Depression has:χ2(df=2) = 38.8p<.0001Gotten better36(47.8%)11 (32.4%)Not changed37(48.0%)4(11.8%)Gotten worse4(5.2%)19(55.9%)Anxiety has:χ2(df=2) =53.4p<.0001 Gotten better29(27.9%)9(20.9%)Not changed67(64.4%)7(16.3%)Gotten worse8(7.7%)28(62.8%)Since joining CDN, I experienced DKAc at school:χ2(df=1) = 4.9p=.027No72(66.1%)27(48.2%)Yes37(33.9%)29(51.8%)Currently registered for accommodationsχ2 (df=1) = 6.3p=.0012Yes148 (60.9%)60 (47.2%)No95 (39.0%)67 (52.8%)aAll outcome variables relate to when in college; bFisher’s Exact- low cell counts; cDKA= diabetic ketoacidosis Disclosure J. Saylor: None.S. Lee: None. J.M. Ambrosino: Speaker's Bureau; Spouse/Partner; Insulet Corporation. Other Relationship; Spouse/Partner; InsuLine Medical Ltd.. Speaker's Bureau; Spouse/Partner; Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.. Consultant; Spouse/Partner; Sanofi-Aventis.E. Ike: None.M. Ness: None.