Diabetes distress mediates the relationship between depressive symptoms and glycaemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes: Findings from a multi‐site diabetes peer support intervention
Authors' conclusion
In this diverse sample, diabetes distress mediated the influence of depressive symptoms on HbA1c but the reverse, depressive symptoms mediating the effect of distress, was not found. These findings add to the evidence that diabetes distress is a worthy intervention target to improve clinical status and quality of life among individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Study context
- Population
- Geographically, socioeconomically and ethnically diverse adults with T2D, five US sites evaluating peer support for diabetes management
- Participants
- 917 participants5 US sites
- Primary endpoint
- Whether diabetes distress (four items from Diabetes Distress Scale) mediated the relationship between depressive symptoms (PHQ-8) and HbA1c
- Follow-up
- Baseline to Final Assessment (six to 18 months)
Methodological detailsmediation analysis, structural equation modeling, Covariates: site, age, sex, education, diabetes duration, insulin use, intervention/control assignment
- Mediation analysis
- Structural equation modeling
- Covariates: site, age, sex, education, diabetes duration, insulin use, intervention/control assignment
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Mediation by diabetes distress at Final Assessment of Baseline depressive symptoms → HbA1c at Final Assessment
Indirect effect (b), p < 0.001; controlling for Baseline HbA1c and covariates
0.031
Further findings
Intercorrelation of depressive symptoms, diabetes distress and HbA1c, cross-sectionally and Baseline to Final Assessment
- Rs (ps <0.05)
- 0.10 to 0.57
Original publication
Diabetes distress mediates the relationship between depressive symptoms and glycaemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes: Findings from a multi‐site diabetes peer support intervention. Diabet Med. Published 16 March 2023. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →