Psychosocial Needs for Newly Diagnosed Youth with Type 1 Diabetes and Their Families

Abstract

Purpose of Review: To synthesize findings from studies published within the last 5 to 10 years and recruiting families of children with new-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D). Recent Findings: Children can establish glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) trajectories in the new-onset period that may persist for up to a decade. Demographic factors, family conflict, and diabetic ketoacidosis at the time of diagnosis may be risk factors for sub-optimal child HbA1c, while new immune modulating therapies and a treatment approach that combines advanced technologies and remote patient monitoring may improve child HbA1c. Nonetheless, recent trials in the new-onset period have largely overlooked how treatments may impact families’ psychosocial functioning and longitudinal observational studies have been limited. Summary: The new-onset period of T1D is an important time for research and clinical intervention, though gaps exist specific to families’ psychosocial needs. Filling these gaps is essential to inform clinical management and standard of care guidelines and improve outcomes.