Association Between Glycemic Control and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes in Japan: the SAGE Study Subanalysis

Aims/introduction Psychosocial aspects and the quality of life (QOL) of individuals with diabetes are important for achieving glycemic control and treatment goals. Here, we describe patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of Japanese adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and evaluate the association thereof with glycemic control. Materials and methods This subanalysis of a subgroup of 528 Japanese participants in the SAGE study of adults with T1D used data on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and PRO scores [Hypoglycemia Fear Survey-II (HFS-II), Problem Areas In Diabetes (PAID), Insulin Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (ITSQ), and Audit of Diabetes-Dependent QOL (ADDQoL)] and summarized the score by the predefined age groups (26–44-years: n = 208, 45–64-years: n = 217, and ≥ 65-years: n = 103). The association between PROs, achieving HbA1c < 7.0%, and individualized targets was explored using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results The HFS-II and PAID scores were lower, and the ITSQ score was higher in the ≥ 65-years group than in the younger groups with a linear trend of better scores with increasing age ( P for trend < 0.05). ADDQoL scores were similar across the age groups, and present QOL (ADDQoL subscale) tended to improve with age ( P for trend < 0.05). Achieving HbA1c < 7.0% and individualized targets were associated with satisfaction with insulin treatment regarding glycemic control. Conclusion In Japanese adults with T1D, the impact on psychosocial aspects and QOL varied across age groups, with a trend of improving scores with age, potentially in relation to the less stringent glycemic control targets adopted in older individuals. Glycemic control was significantly associated with treatment satisfaction.