Executive problems in adolescents with type 1 diabetes are associated with poor metabolic control and low physical activity

• Management of diabetes is demanding and requires efficient cognitive skills, especially in the domain of executive functioning. However, the impact of impaired executive functions on diabetes control has only been studied to a limited extent.Objective: To investigate the association between executive dysfunctions and diabetes control in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.Research design and methods: 241/477 (51 %) of 12-18 year-old adolescents, with a diabetes duration of >2 years, in Stockholm. Uppsala and Jönköping participated. Parents and adolescents completed questionnaires, including BRIEF, ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS) and background factors. Diabetes related data was collected from the Swedish Childhood Diabetes Registry, SWEDIABKIDS. Self-rated and parent-rated executive functioning problems were analyzed with regard to gender, HbA1c, frequency of outpatient visits and physical activity, taking background factors into account.Results: Executive functioning problems, according to BRIEF and/or ADHD-RS, respectively, were associated with mean HbA1c > 70 mmol/mol, many outpatient visits and low physical activity for both genders. Self-rated executive problems were more prevalent in girls, while parents reported these problems to a larger extent in boys.Conclusion: Patients with executive functioning problems need to be recognized by the diabetes team. The diabetes care should be especially tailored to provide adequate support to these patients. 

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Pediatrik (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Pediatrics (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Type 1 diabetes

ADHD

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

ovr (ämneskategori)