Low Caregiver State Anxiety is Associated with Worse Glycemic Control in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study - Report - MDSpire

Low Caregiver State Anxiety is Associated with Worse Glycemic Control in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study

  • By

  • Kamoun, Camilia

  • Shamseddeen, Wael

  • El Zein, Mohamad

  • Crimmins, Nancy Abigail

  • Nawfal, Pascale

  • Tfayli, Hala Mounir

  • June 24, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Association of Low Anxiety Levels in Caregivers with Poor Glycemic Control

Overview

This study investigates the relationship between caregiver anxiety and glycemic control in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Background

Understanding the impact of caregiver anxiety on diabetes management is crucial, as it can influence the health outcomes of adolescents with T1D. Effective glycemic control is essential for preventing long-term complications associated with diabetes.

Data Highlights

The study analyzed 200 dyads of youth aged 11-17 years with T1D. Caregiver anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and youth anxiety was evaluated with the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED). Results indicated that youth with caregivers in the lowest anxiety quartile had significantly lower odds of achieving HbA1c ≤7.5% (adjusted odds ratio = 0.35; 95% CI [0.14-0.84], p=0.018).

Key Findings

  • Low caregiver state anxiety was linked to worse glycemic control in adolescents with T1D.
  • 60.5% of youth in the study exhibited possible anxiety disorders based on SCARED scores.
  • Higher caregiver STAI scores correlated with higher youth SCARED scores.
  • Caregiver involvement may be affected by their anxiety levels, influencing youth diabetes management.
  • The findings suggest a need for psychological screening in diabetes care.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should consider the psychological well-being of caregivers when managing adolescents with T1D.

Conclusion

The study examines the relationship between caregiver anxiety and glycemic control in adolescents with T1D.

Related Resources & Content

  1. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2025 -- Persistent Low Readiness for Independent Self-Care in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes and Executive Function Difficulties Over Time
  2. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026 -- Secular trends in HbA1c levels among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes
  3. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2025 -- The Interplay Between Mental Health and Diabetes Care Management
  4. ISPAD Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2024 -- Screening, Staging, and Strategies to Preserve Beta-Cell Function in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes
  5. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism — Impact of Exercise Patterns on Nighttime Hypoglycemia Incidents in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes
  6. ADA Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026
  7. THR1VE!: Randomized controlled trial to reduce diabetes distress in adolescents with type 1 diabetes
  8. ISPAD Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2024: Screening, Staging, and Strategies to Preserve Beta-Cell Function in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes - PMC
  9. JMIR Diabetes - Moderating Effect of Depression on Glycemic Control in an eHealth Intervention Among Black Youth With Type 1 Diabetes: Findings From a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
  10. The Effectiveness of Psychological Interventions for Families of Children With Type 1 Diabetes on Caregiver and Child Functioning: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
  11. Risk predictors of glycaemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed
  12. Parental Psychosocial Variables and Glycemic Control in T1D Pediatric Age: A Systematic Review - PubMed

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