High prevalence of depressive symptoms among people with pediatric-onset and adolescent-onset type 1 diabetes: A cross-sectional analysis of the Diabetes Study from the Center of Tokyo Women's Medical University.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: To investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms by the age of onset of type 1 diabetes, and its association with the condition of individuals with pediatric- and adolescent-onset type 1 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This single-center cross-sectional study enrolled Japanese participants with type 1 diabetes. All participants completed a questionnaire about their diabetes-related condition and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, which was used to evaluate depression. Individuals with a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score of ≥10 points were defined as having moderate depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

A total of 1,267 participants (mean age 40 years; mean duration of type 1 diabetes 21 years; 68% female; mean glycated hemoglobin 7.8%) were included and classified according to the age of onset of type 1 diabetes to identify the proportion of moderate depressive symptoms in each group: 21% (0-12 years), 18% (13-19 years) and 13% (20-40 years). The prevalence of moderate depressive symptoms was significantly higher among participants with pediatric-onset type 1 diabetes (P < 0.05). Moderate depressive symptoms were associated with increased glycated hemoglobin, neuropathy and hypoglycemia unawareness.

CONCLUSIONS

Regular screening for depressive symptoms and hypoglycemia awareness is important. Healthcare professionals should provide appropriate psychosocial care for people with pediatric-onset and adolescent-onset type 1 diabetes from childhood through to adulthood.