The Role of a Virtual Diabetes Care Program in Managing Depression among Assiut University Students with Type1 Diabetes

Abstract

Objectives: Managing type 1 diabetes in young adults involves distinct difficulties, especially when associated with depression, which contributes to difficulty in achieving glycemic control. The study focused on evaluating the effects of a virtual diabetes care program on Depression. Methods: A total of one hundred and thirty-two students from Assiut University diagnosed with type 1 diabetes who met the eligibility requirements were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The intervention group consisted of university students with type 1 diabetes who participated in the virtual diabetes care program. The control group included university students with type1 diabetes and provided routine, usual care at the students' clinic of Assiut University. Both groups were assessed for Depression (via online designed questionnaire) and HbA1c at baseline and after six months. Results: After six months, the mean score on the CES-D scale did not differ statistically significantly between the two groups. There was a significant rise in depression symptoms among male patients in the control group (P = 0.038) after 6 months, but the virtual diabetes care program participants showed a slight, insignificant decrease in depressive symptoms. Conclusion: The virtual group attendance and mobile app usage were associated with preliminary results of improvement in depression in males. Longterm exposure to the virtual diabetes care program should be investigated in young adults with T1DM, focusing on the reasons for the gender differences in response to the program.