Frans Pouwer

Diabetes Attitudes Wishes and Needs 2 (DAWN2): A multinational, multi-stakeholder study of psychosocial issues in diabetes and person-centred diabetes care

AIMS The Diabetes Attitudes Wishes and Needs 2 (DAWN2) study aims to provide a holistic assessment of diabetes care and management among people with diabetes (PWD), family members (FM), and healthcare professionals (HCPs) and explores potential drivers leading to active management. METHODS DAWN2 survey over 16,000 individuals (∼9000 PWD, ∼2000 FM of PWD, and ∼5000 HCPs) in 17 countries across 4 continents. Respondents complete a group-specific questionnaire; items are designed to allow cross-group comparisons on common topics. The questionnaires comprise elements from the original DAWN study (2001), as well as psychometrically validated instruments and novel questions developed for this study to assess self-management, attitudes/beliefs, disease impact/burden, psychosocial distress, health-related quality of life, healthcare provision/receipt, social support and priorities for improvement in the future. The questionnaires are completed predominantly online or by telephone interview, supplemented by face-to-face interviews in countries with low internet access. In each country, recruitment ensures representation of the diabetes population in terms of geographical distribution, age, gender, education and disease status. DISCUSSION DAWN2 aims to build on the original DAWN study to identify new avenues for improving diabetes care. This paper describes the study rationale, goals and methodology.

Quality of life of children with type 1 diabetes: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION Children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have to deal with a complex and demanding daily treatment regime which can have a negative impact on the quality of life (QoL) of these patients. The objective of the present study is to review studies that have compared generic quality of life of children and adolescents with T1DM with that of healthy peers. In addition, we will examine whether QoL differs between boys and girls, and across different developmental stages. METHODS A systematic literature search using PubMed was conducted for the years 2000 through May 2012. 17 studies were eligible for the current review. Effect sizes were computed to estimate the effects of having T1DM on QoL in children and adolescents. RESULTS Although individual studies reported small to moderate effect sizes on the distinct QoL-domains, the weighted effect sizes across all studies indicated no differences in QoL-domains between children and adolescents with T1DM and healthy controls. However, disease-specific problems were certainly present. Girls with T1DM reported lower generic and disease-specific QoL than boys with T1DM. Relationships between age and generic or disease-specific QoL remained unclear. CONCLUSIONS Although children and adolescents with T1DM have to live with a demanding treatment regime, overall results revealed that their generic QoL is not impaired compared to healthy peers. However, disease-specific QoL problems, including a negative impact of diabetes on daily functioning, and diabetes-related worries were certainly present. Longitudinal research is needed in order to provide tailored care for children of all ages with T1DM.

Diabetes-related symptom distress in association with glucose metabolism and co-morbidity: the Hoorn Study

OBJECTIVE—The purpose of this study was to determine the associations between diabetes-related symptom distress, glucose metabolism status, and comorbidities of type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This was a cross-sectional sample of 281 individuals with normal glucose metabolism (NGM), 181 individuals with impaired glucose metabolism (IGM), and 107 subjects with type 2 diabetes. We used the revised type 2 Diabetes Symptom Checklist (DSC-R) to assess diabetes-related symptom distress. RESULTS—The total symptom distress score (range 0–100) was relatively low for diabetic subjects (mean ± SD 8.4 ± 9.4), although it was significantly different from that for subjects with IGM (6.5 ± 7.1) and NGM (6.1 ± 7.9) (F = 3.1, 2 d.f., P = 0.046). Ischemic heart disease was associated with elevated DSC-R scores on three subscales, whereas depression showed higher symptom distress levels across all DSC-R domains. CONCLUSIONS—Worsening glucose metabolism is associated with increasing diabetes-related symptom distress. This relationship is attenuated by ischemic heart disease and particularly by depression.

Associations of low grade inflammation and endothelial dysfunction with depression - The Maastricht Study

BACKGROUND The pathogenesis of depression may involve low-grade inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. We aimed to evaluate the independent associations of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction with depressive symptoms and depressive disorder, and the role of lifestyle factors in this association. METHODS In The Maastricht Study, a population-based cohort study (n=852, 55% men, m=59.8±8.5years), depressive symptoms were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and (major and minor) depressive disorder with the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Plasma biomarkers of inflammation (hsCRP, SAA, sICAM-1, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α) and endothelial dysfunction (sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, sE-selectin, vWF) were measured with sandwich immunoassays and combined into two standardized sum scores. RESULTS Biomarkers of inflammation (hsCRP, TNF-α, SAA, sICAM-1) and endothelial dysfunction (sICAM-1, sE-Selectin) were univariately associated with depressive symptoms and depressive disorder. The sum scores of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction were associated with depressive disorder after adjustment for age, sex, type 2 diabetes, kidney function and prior cardiovascular disease (OR 1.54, p=0.001 and 1.40, p=0.006). Both sum scores remained significantly associated with depressive disorder after additional adjustment for lifestyle factors smoking, alcohol consumption and body mass index. The sum score of inflammation was also independently associated with depressive symptoms, while the sum score of endothelial dysfunction was not. CONCLUSIONS Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are both associated with depressive disorder, independent of lifestyle factors. Our results might suggest that inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are involved in depression.

Development of the Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale : The TPDS

BackgroundPregnant women with high levels of stress, depression and/or anxiety are at increased risk for adverse perinatal outcomes and impaired neurologic and emotional development of the offspring. Pregnancy specific instruments to measure psychological functioning during gestation are scarce and do not define items based on in-depth interviews of pregnant and recently delivered women. The current study developed a pregnancy specific scale that measures psychological functioning using in-depth interviews.MethodsThree focus groups were formed to discuss issues most relevant to pregnancy distress; 22 candidate items were derived for pilot testing (study I, n = 419) its psychometric properties by means of explorative factor analyses (EFA). This resulted in a 17-item TPDS which was further explored by confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) and concurrent and construct validity assessment (study II, n = 454).ResultsEFA in study I suggested a two component solution (negative affect (NA) and partner involvement (PI)). CFA in study II resulted in a higher order model of the NA subscale into three more subscales: NA regarding confinement, delivery and general health. TPDS, EPDS and GAD-7 were all significantly correlated.ConclusionsThe TPDS constitutes a valid and user friendly instrument to assess pregnancy distress. In addition to its proven ability to pick up pregnancy specific negative affect it also includes an important sub-scale measuring perceived partner involvement.

Association of Microvascular Dysfunction With Late-Life Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance The etiologic factors of late-life depression are still poorly understood. Recent evidence suggests that microvascular dysfunction is associated with depression, which may have implications for prevention and treatment. However, this association has not been systematically reviewed. Objective To examine the associations of peripheral and cerebral microvascular dysfunction with late-life depression. Data Sources A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE and EMBASE for and longitudinal studies published since inception to October 16, 2016, that assessed the associations between microvascular dysfunction and depression. Study Selection Three independent researchers performed the study selection based on consensus. Inclusion criteria were a study population 40 years of age or older, a validated method of detecting depression, and validated measures of microvascular function. Data Extraction and Synthesis This systematic review and meta-analysis has been registered at PROSPERO (CRD42016049158) and is reported in accordance with the PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. Data extraction was performed by an independent researcher. Main Outcomes and Measures The following 5 estimates of microvascular dysfunction were considered in participants with or without depression: plasma markers of endothelial function, albuminuria, measurements of skin and muscle microcirculation, retinal arteriolar and venular diameter, and markers for cerebral small vessel disease. Data are reported as pooled odds ratios (ORs) by use of the generic inverse variance method with the use of random-effects models. Results A total of 712 studies were identified; 48 were included in the meta-analysis, of which 8 described longitudinal data. Data from 43 600 participants, 9203 individuals with depression, and 72 441 person-years (mean follow-up, 3.7 years) were available. Higher levels of plasma endothelial biomarkers (soluble intercellular adhesion molecule–1: OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.28-1.96), white matter hyperintensities (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.19-1.39), cerebral microbleeds (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.03-1.34), and cerebral (micro)infarctions (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.21-1.39) were associated with depression. Among the studies available, no significant associations of albuminuria and retinal vessel diameters with depression were reported. Longitudinal data showed a significant association of white matter hyperintensities with incident depression (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.09-1.30). Conclusions and Relevance This meta-analysis shows that both the peripheral and cerebral forms of microvascular dysfunction are associated with higher odds of (incident) late-life depression. This finding may have clinical implications because microvascular dysfunction might provide a potential target for the prevention and treatment of depression.

Severely obese people with diabetes experience impaired emotional well-being associated with socioeconomic disadvantage: Results from diabetes MILES – Australia

AIM To examine the emotional well-being of severely obese Australians with type 2 diabetes, along with markers of social and economic disadvantage, using the Diabetes MILES - Australia dataset. METHODS Diabetes MILES - Australia was a national survey of 3338 adults with diabetes that focused on psychosocial issues; 1795 had type 2 diabetes and reported BMI. We extracted data regarding depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), obesity- and diabetes-related comorbidities, and demographics. The severely obese group (SOG) (BMI ≥ 35; median BMI=41.6) constituted 530 (30%) of the type 2 diabetes respondents and was matched with 530 controls (CG) (BMI<35; median BMI=28.2). Within- and between-group trends were examined. RESULTS The SOG had higher depression scores (median (IQR) 6.0 (3-12)) than CG (5.0 (2-10)); p<0.001, and were more likely to report moderate-severe depressive symptoms (37% versus 27%; p<0.001). The groups did not differ on anxiety. The SOG, compared with the CG, were more likely to live alone (21% versus 17%), receive a disability pension (21% versus 15%), earn ≤

Toward Defining a Cutoff Score for Elevated Fear of Hypoglycemia on the Hypoglycemia Fear Survey Worry Subscale in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

40.000/year (51% versus 41%; all p<0.05), and were less likely to be employed (46% versus 53%), university or higher educated (17% versus 26%), or have health insurance (50% versus 60%; all p ≤ 0.01). Moderate-severe depression was positively associated with cumulative stressors of severe obesity, socioeconomic disadvantage, and obesity- and diabetes-related comorbidity. CONCLUSIONS Severely obese people living with type 2 diabetes have cumulative stressors related to health, disability, demographic and socioeconomic factors, and impaired emotional well-being.

Association of Type D personality with increased vulnerability to depression : Is there a role for inflammation or endothelial dysfunction? - The Maastricht Study

OBJECTIVE To determine a cutoff score for clinically meaningful fear of hypoglycemia (FoH) on the Hypoglycemia Fear Survey Worry subscale (HFS-W). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Data on the HFS-W, history of hypoglycemia, emotional well-being (World Health Organization-5 well-being index), and distress about diabetes symptoms (Diabetes Symptom Checklist–Revised) were available from Dutch patients with type 2 diabetes who were treated with oral medication or insulin (n = 1,530). Four criteria were applied to define a threshold for clinically meaningful FoH: 1) modal score distribution (MD criterion), 2) scores 2 SDs above the mean (SD criterion), 3) concurrent validity with severe hypoglycemia and suboptimal well-being (CV criterion), and 4) an elevated score (≥3) on more than one HFS-W item (elevated item endorsement [EI criterion]). Associations between the outcomes of these approaches and a history of severe hypoglycemia and suboptimal well-being were studied. RESULTS Of the 1,530 patients, 19% had a HFS-W score of 0 (MD criterion), and 5% reported elevated FoH (HFS-W ≥ mean + 2 SD; SD criterion). Patients with severe hypoglycemia reported higher HFS-W scores than those without (25 ± 20 vs. 15 ± 17; P < 0.001). Patients with suboptimal well-being reported higher HFS-W scores than those with satisfactory well-being (20 ± 18 vs. 13 ± 15; P < 0.001, CV criterion). Elevated FoH (defined by the EI criterion) was seen in 26% of patients. The SD and EI criteria were the strongest associated with history of severe hypoglycemia. The EI criterion was the strongest associated with suboptimal well-being. CONCLUSIONS Although no definite cutoff score has been determined, the EI criterion may be most indicative of clinically relevant FoH in this exploratory study. Further testing of the clinical relevance of this criterion is needed.

Depression and type 2 diabetes over the lifespan: a meta-analysis. Response to Mezuk et al.

BACKGROUND Type D personality - the combination of negative affectivity (NA) and social inhibition (SI) - has been associated with depression but little is known about underlying mechanisms. We examined whether (1) Type D is a vulnerability factor for depression in general, (2) Type D is associated with inflammation or endothelial dysfunction, and (3) these biomarkers alter the possible association between Type D and depression. METHODS In the Maastricht Study, 712 subjects underwent assessment of NA, SI and Type D personality (DS14), depressive disorder (Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview) and depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9). Plasma biomarkers of inflammation (hsCRP, SAA, sICAM-1, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α) and endothelial dysfunction (sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, E-selectin, vWF) were measured with sandwich immunoassays or ELISA and combined into standardized sumscores. RESULTS Regarding personality, 49% of the study population was low in NA and SI, 22% had SI only, 12% NA only and 17% had Type D. Depressive disorder and depressive symptoms were significantly more prevalent in Type D versus the other three personality subgroups. Multivariable regression analyses showed that Type D was associated with inflammation (β=0.228, p=0.014) and endothelial dysfunction (β=0.216, p=0.022). After adjustment for these biomarkers, Type D remained independently associated with increased vulnerability to depressive disorder (OR=13.20, p<0.001) and depressive symptoms (β=3.87, p<0.001). LIMITATIONS The cross-sectional design restrained us to draw any conclusions on causality. The relatively low prevalence of depressive disorder restrained us to adjust for more potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS Type D personality may be a vulnerability factor for depression, irrespective of levels of inflammation or endothelial dysfunction. Future research should examine possible underlying mechanisms.