SAT126 Relationship Between Type I Diabetes And Depression In The Pediatric Population

Disclosure: L.B. Greenblatt: None. M. Epelman: None. S. Demissie: None. Introduction: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is one of the most common chronic illnesses in children. Depression in children and adolescents with T1DM has been associated with negative diabetes related health outcomes, such as recurrent diabetes ketoacidosis. These associations can be bidirectional, where poor glycemic control can worsen symptoms of depression. Adolescents with T1DM and depression pose additional challenges to health care providers due to non-adherence to diabetes management. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between depression and age of onset, duration and T1DM control. We hypothesized that duration of diabetes mellitus positively correlates with depression symptoms. Patients diagnosed with T1DM in adolescence have higher depression scores compared to individuals diagnosed at a younger age. Methods: Individuals with T1DM 11 to 21 years old enrolled in the study. Patients with known psychiatric illnesses and intellectual disabilities were excluded. After obtaining informed consent and assent, participants were asked to complete age specific depression screening form PHQ-9. Forms were immediately scored by the investigator. Patients with moderate symptoms (score of 10 to 14) are provided a list of local mental health resources and individuals with severe depressive symptoms (score > 15) were referred to a pediatric psychiatrist for evaluation. Data on age, sex, ethnicity, age at diagnosis, diabetes duration, recent glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C), treatment methods (insulin pump vs injections) and continuous glucose monitor use were collected from patients’ electronic health records. Results: 34 patients, 61.7% female, were screened thus far. The mean age was 16 years and average age at diagnosis was 8 years. 22% of patients were on multiple daily injections and 78% on insulin pump therapy. Most patients (88%) were using continuous glucose monitors. Despite long term care, the average HbA1c was 8%. Girls had higher average PHQ-9 score (7.24) compared to boys (3.69). As expected, high PHQ-9 score was associated with poor diabetes control (r=0.35, p=0.044). There was a positive correlation between PHQ-9 score and duration of T1DM and negative correlation between PHQ-9 score and age at onset (p>0.05). Conclusion: Children and adolescents with T1DM are at risk of depression. Younger age of onset and longer duration of T1DM was associated with higher severity of depression symptoms as evident by PQH-9 score. Poor control, defined by high HbA1C, is positively correlated with depression score. Screening for depression and proper referral should be integrated into routine care for children and adolescents with T1DM. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023