Delay discounting and symptoms of anxiety and depression in adolescents experiencing challenges with managing type 1 diabetes

We examined if anxiety/depression, delay discounting (DD), and their interaction were associated with greater A1c levels and reduced medical adherence in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Sixty-one adolescents with T1D completed a DD task and an A1c blood test. Adherence was assessed by self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) using glucometer data. Anxiety/depression was assessed using a parent-completed questionnaire. Greater DD was associated with higher A1c, but not SMBG. Anxiety/depression was not associated with A1c or SMBG. Greater anxiety/depression magnified the effect of DD on A1c. Anxious/depressed symptoms may be a target for youth with T1D to improve glycemic control.