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The Relationship Between Executive Functioning, Type 1 Diabetes Self-Management Behaviors, and Glycemic Control in Adolescents and Young Adults

  • Psychosocial Aspects (SS Jaser, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Understanding barriers to self-management behaviors and glycemic stability may inform specific needs for behavior change in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The current review aims to systematically synthesize the literature on the relationships between executive functioning, self-management, and A1C in adolescents and young adults with T1D. Fifteen studies were retained in the current review. Study quality assessment for the majority of the studies were “Fair” or “Good.”

Recent Findings

This review highlights several advances in research design, including use of longitudinal designs, data from multiple informants, and use of objective measures. Adolescents and young adults reported that more executive functioning weaknesses were related to decreased self-management behaviors and higher A1C.

Summary

The current review demonstrated that self-perceived executive functioning weaknesses negatively impact self-management behaviors and A1C. Future research is needed to determine the utility of objective measures in assessing the relationships between executive functioning, T1D self-management, and A1C.

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  1. Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100165, Gainesville, Florida, 32610, USA

    Ke Ding, Cheyenne M. Reynolds, Kimberly A. Driscoll & David M. Janicke

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Ding, K., Reynolds, C.M., Driscoll, K.A. et al. The Relationship Between Executive Functioning, Type 1 Diabetes Self-Management Behaviors, and Glycemic Control in Adolescents and Young Adults. Curr Diab Rep 21, 10 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-021-01379-3

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