David Donaldson

Effect of docosahexaenoic acid supplementation on inflammatory cytokine levels in infants at high genetic risk for type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results from the inflammatory destruction of pancreatic β‐cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation on stimulated inflammatory cytokine production in white blood cells (WBC) from infants with a high genetic risk for T1D.

Self-Control as a Mediator of the Link Between Intelligence and HbA1c During Adolescence

The study examined in adolescents with type 1 diabetes whether higher intelligence was predictive of better subsequent metabolic control through better self-control. Two-hundred fifty two adolescents with type 1 diabetes completed an intelligence test and a measure of self-control at baseline. HbA1c was gathered from medical records at baseline and six months later. A path model revealed that adolescent intelligence at Time 1 was associated with changes in HbA1c from Time 1 to Time 2 through adolescents’ higher self-control. Higher intelligence may be a resource for the application of self-regulatory skills during adolescence that facilitate metabolic control.

Relationships and the development of transition readiness skills into early emerging adulthood for individuals with type 1 diabetes

ABSTRACT The study examined how “transition readiness” skills develop from relationship processes with parents, friends, and healthcare providers. During their senior year of high school and one year later, participants (n = 217) with type 1 diabetes completed measures of transition readiness skills (Self-Management; Self-Advocacy), adherence, HbA1c, and relationships with providers (patient-centered communication), parents (monitoring/knowledge), and friends (knowledge/helpfulness) surrounding diabetes. Self-Management skills increased across time. Higher friend knowledge/helpfulness during emerging adulthood was associated with increased Self-Management skills. Adherence improved when relationships with providers and friends matched transition readiness skills, indicating that these relationships may facilitate transition skills in early emerging adulthood.