Background and Aims

Stress is a known risk factor for poor control in T1D. Current evidence suggests it prevents patients from engaging in self-control behaviors, worsening metabolic outcomes. The relationship between diabetes stress and self-management behaviors in patients on SAP remains unclear

Objective: to evaluate levels of stress associated to SAP therapy and its correlation to metabolic goals in T1D patients.

Methods

T1D patients on SAP therapy with PLGS for more than 6 months were included. Stress association to living with diabetes and to using SAP was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Levels of stress were categorized as high (HS), moderate (MS) and low or absent (LAS). Metabolic control was assessed using time in range (TIR). Data was analyzed using parametric tests.

Results

Seventy-six subjects were included. Mean age 34.3 ± 14.1 y.o., 59% female, 16.7 ± 9.7 years of disease duration. Baseline TIR was 70.1 ± 9.8% and time below 70 mg / dL was 3.6 ± 2.1%. Patient’s stress levels were: HS = 6%, MS = 24% and LAS = 70%; whilst Metabolic goals as by TIR were HS=73%, MS=70% and LAS = 69% (p = 0.709).

Conclusions

The achievement of metabolic outcomes appears to be irrespective of the stress experienced by the patient on SAP therapy. The influence of systematic training and follow-up program, as well as the association between stress, technology and the achievement of goals should continue to be investigated to determine whether stress can be originated in an effort for self-care or due to the burden of technology itself.