The TODAY study highlights the implications for emotional well-being and social support
Most people living with type 2 diabetes are older adults. Yet, type 2 diabetes is becoming more common among younger adults. As younger adults have very different priorities, responsibilities and life experiences than older adults, it makes sense that they might experience the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes differently too. An earlier diagnosis and the daily self-care demands can have an impact on emotional well-being, and the risk of complications can add to this burden. So, it is vital to engage in research to understand what support younger adults may want and to address their unmet needs.
The TODAY study is focused on the Treatment Options for type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth. It has collected data on beliefs about medicines, emotional well-being, social support and confidence in managing diabetes, as well as blood glucose levels. In total, 348 young adults took part in the 12-month study. They were aged from 19 to 31 years of age, and 66% were women.
What did they find?
Over the 12 months, higher blood glucose levels were associated with:
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- greater beliefs that diabetes medicines are necessary (19% higher odds),
- greater concerns about diabetes medicines (20% higher odds),
- diabetes distress (8% higher odds), and high levels of diabetes distress (218% higher odds).
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Importantly, two factors reduced the odds of higher blood glucose at 12 months. These were: social support (33% lower odds) and diabetes self-efficacy (9% lower odds).
The findings from the TODAY study are important for identifying some key areas that may benefit young adults living with type 2 diabetes. The researchers state that this group often experience similar developmental challenges to young people living with type 1 diabetes. However, the research into the challenges faced by those living with type 1 diabetes is far more extensive.
Therefore, the researchers suggest that further work is needed to develop resources that build self-efficacy and reduce distress, as well as to assess the support structures around each individual. Also, they identified that more work is needed to address young adults’ concerns about diabetes medicines, given the strong findings in this area.
Reference:
PM Trief, H Wen, B Burke, D Uschner, BJ Anderson, X Liu, J Bulger, RS Weinstock. Psychosocial Factors and Glycemic Control in Young Adults With Youth-Onset Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes and Endocrinology. 2024;7(4):e245620. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.5620
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