Psychological Resources of Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus during Transition from a Pediatric to Adult Diabetes Clinic-A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: The period of transition of patients with type 1 diabetes from pediatric to adult-oriented health care is very vulnerable time, as it is associated with poorer glycemic control and less frequent clinic attendance. Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate psychological parameters of transitioning young patients with type 1 diabetes during the 1st visit in adult outpatient clinic. Methods: We examined 50 consecutive patients (56% females) transitioning from 03.2021 - 11.2022 into adult care (3 diabetes centers from 3 regions in southern Poland (A=16; B=21; C= 13)) and their basic demographic information. All patients fulfilled the following psychological questionnaires: STAI, GSES, PSS-10, SWLS, AIS, MHLC and CECS. Furthermore, we made comparison of data obtained in the study with data for general healthy population and general population with persons with diabetes. Results: During the first adult outpatients visit patients mean age was 19.2±1.4 yrs. with 9.8±4.3 yrs. of diabetes duration and BMI 23.5±3.1 kg/m2. Considering the therapy type: 67% of patients were treated with insulin pump therapy while 33% with multiple daily injections. There was no difference regarding the level of life satisfaction, perceived level of stress and state anxiety between studied population and general/diabetes population. Studied patients had similar locus of health control and negative emotions control in comparison to general population of diabetes. Patients had higher level of suppression of negative emotions: anger, depression, and anxiety than age matched general population. In addition, our population was characterized by higher acceptance of illness and higher level of self-efficacy compared to general/diabetes population. Conclusions: This study indicated good psychological resources and coping mechanisms of young patients transitioning to adult outpatient clinic. Disclosure B.Matejko: Consultant; Medtronic, Roche Diagnostics, BIOTON S.A. K.M.Cyranka: Other Relationship; Ascensia Diabetes Care, Roche Diabetes Care, Abbott, Research Support; Medtronic. A.Juza: None. K.Nabrdalik: Research Support; BIOTON S.A., Speaker's Bureau; Novo Nordisk, Abbott, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Lilly Diabetes, AstraZeneca. H.Kwiendacz: Speaker's Bureau; Sanofi, Novo Nordisk. J.Gumprecht: Advisory Panel; Abbott, Medtronic, Speaker's Bureau; Novo Nordisk A/S, Lilly, AstraZeneca, Merck & Co., Inc., Sanofi, Bayer Inc., KRKA, Ascensia Diabetes Care. M.Malecki: Advisory Panel; Abbott Diabetes, Novo Nordisk, Lilly, Sanofi, Dexcom, Inc., Bayer Inc., Research Support; Medtronic, Speaker's Bureau; AstraZeneca, AlfaSigma, Merck & Co., Inc., BIOTON S.A., Servier Laboratories, KRKA. T.Klupa: Advisory Panel; Abbott Diabetes, Ascensia Diabetes Care, Sanofi, BIOTON S.A., Speaker's Bureau; Medtronic, Abbott Diabetes, Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk, Boehringer Ingelheim Inc., Servier Laboratories.