Associations of Executive Function With Diabetes Management and Glycemic Control in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes
Merel Hansmann, Lisa K. Volkening, Rebecca Snelgrove, Zijing Guo, Lori M. Laffel
Abstract
Aims The aims of this study were to assess domains of executive function in relation to diabetes management and glycemic control in adolescents with type 1 diabetes and to compare adolescent self-report and parent proxy-report of adolescent executive function. Methods Adolescents with type 1 diabetes (N = 169, 46% female, age 15.9 ± 1.3 years) and their parents completed self-report and parent proxy-report versions of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). Results Self-report and parent proxy-report BRIEF T scores were moderately to strongly correlated; parent proxy scores were significantly higher than self-report scores. Executive function problems (Global Executive Composite T score ≥60) occurred in 9% of adolescents by self-report and 26% by parent proxy-report. For almost all Metacognition Index scales, elevated (T score ≥60) parent proxy scores were associated with lower adherence, lower adolescent diabetes self-efficacy, and more parent involvement in diabetes management. Elevated scores on several Metacognition Index scales were associated with less pump use (Plan/Organize by self-report, Initiate by parent proxy-report, and Monitor by parent proxy-report) and higher A1C (Plan/Organize by self-report and parent proxy-report and Organization of Materials by parent proxy-report). The only significant associations for the Behavioral Regulation Index scales occurred for adherence (by parent proxy-report) and diabetes self-efficacy (by self-report and parent-report). Conclusion Adolescents with type 1 diabetes who have problems with metacognition may need additional support for diabetes self-management.