Young people with type 1 diabetes are more likely to develop mental health complications compared to those without the condition, latest research has identified.
New evidence from a team in the UK and the Czech Republic has revealed that children and young people with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing mood and anxiety disorders.
Experts are now calling for better mental health monitoring and support for younger individuals living with type 1 diabetes.
Globally, more than eight million people are living with type 1 diabetes, with around 400,000 cases in the UK, the JDRF has reported.
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People with type 1 diabetes have a pancreas that no longer produces insulin itself, therefore they have to rely on insulin injections or infusions.
Artificial pancreas technology is improving the lives of people with type 1 diabetes by automatically monitoring blood glucose levels, calculating the amount of insulin needed at different points during the day and delivering it.
During the study, a team of scientists analysed the heath data of more than 4,500 children, all of whom had type 1 diabetes.
They discovered that children with type 1 diabetes were roughly 50% more likely to develop a mood and anxiety disorder than those without the condition.
In addition, young people with type 1 diabetes were four times more at risk of developing eating disorders and sleep disorders, the study has reported.
However, children with type 1 diabetes are less likely to develop psychotic disorders compared to those without the condition, the findings have demonstrated.
Senior author Tomáš Formánek said: “Although we found a concerning increase in the risk of mental health problems among people living with type 1, our study – and others before it – suggest this is unlikely to be the result of common biological mechanisms.
“This emphasises the importance of prevention and sustained attention to the mental health needs of children and young people with type 1 diabetes.”
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- Mediterranean diet could lower heart disease risk in people with type 1 diabetes
- First large-scale study shows consuming proteins and fats can help manage insulin
Fellow author Dr Benjamin Perry said: “We know that people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes can experience ‘diabetes distress.’ This can include extreme frustration with blood sugars and feelings of isolation and can lead to burnout, hopelessness, and a feeling of lack of control.
“It’s little wonder, then, that they are at risk of compounding mental health problems, spanning into their adult lives.”
Joint author added: “Our findings emphasize the urgent need to support children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, look out for signs of mental health problems and offer timely, expert help.
“That way, it may be possible to help these children early, before these problems fully take root.”
Read the study in the journal Nature Mental Health.
