High prevalence of depressive symptoms among people with pediatric‐onset and adolescent‐onset type 1 diabetes: A cross‐sectional analysis of the Diabetes Study from the Center of Tokyo Women's Medical University

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: To investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms by the age of onset of type 1 diabetes, and its association with the condition of individuals with pediatric‐ and adolescent‐onset type 1 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single‐center cross‐sectional study enrolled Japanese participants with type 1 diabetes. All participants completed a questionnaire about their diabetes‐related condition and the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9, which was used to evaluate depression. Individuals with a Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 score of ≥10 points were defined as having moderate depressive symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 1,267 participants (mean age 40 years; mean duration of type 1 diabetes 21 years; 68% female; mean glycated hemoglobin 7.8%) were included and classified according to the age of onset of type 1 diabetes to identify the proportion of moderate depressive symptoms in each group: 21% (0–12 years), 18% (13–19 years) and 13% (20–40 years). The prevalence of moderate depressive symptoms was significantly higher among participants with pediatric‐onset type 1 diabetes (P < 0.05). Moderate depressive symptoms were associated with increased glycated hemoglobin, neuropathy and hypoglycemia unawareness. CONCLUSIONS: Regular screening for depressive symptoms and hypoglycemia awareness is important. Healthcare professionals should provide appropriate psychosocial care for people with pediatric‐onset and adolescent‐onset type 1 diabetes from childhood through to adulthood.