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Characterising moment-to-moment fluctuation in stress, anxiety and blood glucose levels in adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Investigators: Ashleigh Lin, Keely Bebbington, Timothy Jones, Daniel Rudaizky (UWA), Elizabeth Davis, Sanne Booij (University Medical Center Groningen), Grant Smith

In this study, we used a novel method of measuring moment-to-moment fluctuations in stress, anxiety throughout the day using a mobile smartphone ‘app’ in combination with continuous glucose monitoring technology to better understand how stress and anxiety may impact blood glucose levels.

For more information please contact Keely Bebbington  keely.bebbington@telethonkids.org.au

Plain language summary: It is now well documented that children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at greater risk for psychological disorders than young people without diabetes. Our own population-based data shows that Western Australian (WA) youth with T1D are over twice as likely to experience severe anxiety disorder than healthy young people. In addition, high levels of psychological distress are associated with poorer metabolic control. Despite the observed link between stress, anxiety and glycaemic control, we still don’t understand how stress, anxiety and blood glucose levels may interact moment-to-moment. In the current study we used a novel method of measuring fluctuations in stress and anxiety throughout the day, using a mobile app and then combined this data with information from continuous glucose monitors. Data from this study is currently being analysed by our team.

External collaborators: Daniel Rudaizky (UWA), Sanne Booij (University Medical Center, Groningen)

Funder: Children’s Diabetes Centre Seeding Grant, Raine Medical Research Foundation Cockell Collaboration Grant