Delay discounting and symptoms of anxiety and depression in adolescents experiencing challenges with managing type 1 diabetes

ABSTRACT

We examined if anxiety/depression, delay discounting (DD), and their interaction were associated with greater A1c levels and reduced medical adherence in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Sixty-one adolescents with T1D completed a DD task and an A1c blood test. Adherence was assessed by self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) using glucometer data. Anxiety/depression was assessed using a parent-completed questionnaire. Greater DD was associated with higher A1c, but not SMBG. Anxiety/depression was not associated with A1c or SMBG. Greater anxiety/depression magnified the effect of DD on A1c. Anxious/depressed symptoms may be a target for youth with T1D to improve glycemic control.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, MA, upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development under Grant DP3 HD076602. Dr. Anderson was also supported by NIDA under Grant T32 DA037202 (PI: Alan J. Budney). Dr. Stanger was also supported by NIDA under Grant P30 DA029926 (PI: Lisa A. Marsch).