This study is designed to compare two behavioral approaches to reduce diabetes distress ("the expected burdens, concerns, fears, and threats that arise from the challenges of living with diabetes") in adults with type 1 diabetes. At the study baseline, participants will be randomized to take part in one of two virtual, group-based interventions (the "Primary" intervention) utilizing either an emotions-focused or a problem-solving approach to reduce diabetes distress. After the initial intervention, participants will complete surveys to assess their response to the material. Participants who are determined to be "non-responders" (i.e., the Primary intervention was not effective) will be re-randomized to one of two "Supplementary" interventions, which will include individualized sessions to learn and/or practice strategies related to either the psychological or problem-solving approach.
Adults 30 years and older
Type 1 diabetes OR latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) clinically managed as type 1 diabetes
Elevated diabetes distress, defined as a score >= 2.0 on the T1-DDAS core scale
English speaking
Does not receive diabetes care at UNC Endocrinology at Eastowne
Cannot commit to the pre-scheduled weekly, virtual sessions
Diagnosis of any major medical or psychiatric condition that would preclude participation
Diagnosis of dementia or other conditions that affect memory or information retention, such as cognitive impairment
Sequential
ReCharge
BehavioralReCharge is an emotions-focused intervention that utilizes core components of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to address and minimize diabetes distress. This 5-week, group-based, virtual intervention will include a stepwise process to address diabetes distress and provide opportunities to practice new skills. Weekly assignments between the sessions will reinforce class material and give additional practice opportunities. Participants will be expected to interact in each session and will have opportunities to share their experiences and be engaged in discussion with the group and the facilitator.
TakeCharge
BehavioralTakeCharge is a problem-solving focused intervention that empowers participants to identify and make meaningful changes in their blood glucose management and other diabetes-related behaviors. This 5-week, group-based, virtual intervention will include a stepwise process to analyze data and resolve challenging situations surrounding diabetes management and provide opportunities to practice new skills. Weekly assignments between the sessions will reinforce class material and give additional practice opportunities. Participants will be expected to interact in each session and will have opportunities to share their experiences and be engaged in discussion with the group and the facilitator.
Change in Total Diabetes Distress (T1-DDS Total Score)
Self-reported total diabetes distress will be measured using the 28-item Type 1 Diabetes Distress Scale (T1-DDS Total Score). The scale yields an overall distress score that is the average of all responses rated on a 6-point Likert scale for all 28 items (range 1-6). A score \>= 2.0 is considered clinically significant diabetes distress. The primary efficacy outcomes of this study is the change in the T1D-DDS score and the proportion of individuals with a change in the T1D-DDS score at least as large as one minimally clinically important difference (MCID).
Change in Core Diabetes Distress (T1-DDAS Core Score)
Self-reported core diabetes distress will be measured using the newer, 8-item Type 1 Diabetes Distress Assessment System (T1-DDAS Core Score). The scale yields a core distress score that is the average of all responses rated on a 5-point Likert scale for all 8 items (range 1-5). A score \>= 2.0 is considered clinically significant diabetes distress.
Change in Sources of Diabetes Distress (T1-DDS Subscale Scores)
Self-reported sources of diabetes distress will be measured using the 7 subscales of the 28-item Type 1 Diabetes Distress Scale (T1-DDS Subscale Scores). In addition to the Total Score, the T1-DDS scale also yields a score for each of 7 subscales based on the average response on all of the items in that subscale (range = 1-6). The 7 subscale scores measure sources including: Powerlessness, Management Distress, Hypoglycemia Distress, Negative Social Perceptions, Eating Distress, Physician Distress, and Friend/Family Distress. A score \>= 2.0 is considered clinically significant diabetes distress for each source.
Change in Perceived Stress
The Perceived Stress Scale 4 (PSS-4) is a 4-item questionnaire used to measure the degree to which situations in one's life are appraised as stressful during the last month. Respondents self-report the frequency of four key thoughts and feelings over the past month using a 5-point Likert scale. Total score is determined by adding together the scores of each of the four items (range 0-4).
Change in Diabetes Quality of Life
The Diabetes Quality of Life (DQOL) - Brief Clinical Inventory is a 15-item questionnaire used to provide a total health-related quality of life score that predicts self-reported diabetes care behaviors and satisfaction with diabetes control. Items are scored on 5-point Likert scale under two general formats. One format asks about the frequency of negative impact of diabetes itself or of the diabetes treatment and provides response options from 1 ("Never") to 5 ("All the time"). The second format asks about satisfaction with treatment and quality of life and is scored from 1 ("Very satisfied") to 5 ("Very dissatisfied").
Intervention Satisfaction
Satisfaction in the intervention for managing distress and type 1 diabetes will be self-reported using a 6-point Likert scale (1-6). Low satisfaction will be defined as a score \<3.0.
Perceived Effectiveness of the Intervention
Perceived value of the intervention for managing distress and type 1 diabetes will be self-reported using a 6-point Likert scale (1-6). Low perceived effectiveness will be defined as a score \<3.0.
Long-term Change in Total Diabetes Distress (T1-DDS Total Score)
Self-reported total diabetes distress will be measured using the 28-item Type 1 Diabetes Distress Scale (T1-DDS Total Score). The scale yields an overall distress score that is the average of all responses rated on a 6-point Likert scale for all 28 items (range 1-6). A score \>= 2.0 is considered clinically significant diabetes distress. The primary efficacy outcomes of this study is the change in the T1D-DDS score and the proportion of individuals with a change in the T1D-DDS score at least as large as one minimally clinically important difference (MCID).
Long-term Change in Core Diabetes Distress (T1-DDAS Core Score)
Self-reported core diabetes distress will be measured using the newer, 8-item Type 1 Diabetes Distress Assessment System (T1-DDAS Core Score). The scale yields a core distress score that is the average of all responses rated on a 5-point Likert scale for all 8 items (range 1-5). A score \>= 2.0 is considered clinically significant diabetes distress.
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University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Lead sponsor
American Diabetes Association
Collaborator
