Telehealth occupational therapy improves psychosocial well-being but not glycemia among young adults with type 1 diabetes: The Resilient, Empowered, Active Living-Telehealth (REAL-T) randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus often face challenges managing their condition, leading to elevated glucose and heightened psychosocial distress. Diabetes care traditionally focuses on biomedical outcomes, with less emphasis on well-being. Occupational therapy offers a holistic approach to managing diabetes by integrating changes to daily habits and routines and psychosocial support.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial involved participants aged 18–30 with HbA1c ≥ 7.5 % (≥58 mmol/mol). Participants received either telehealth occupational therapy or usual care. The intervention addressed diabetes management, daily habits and routines, and emotional well-being. Data collected at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months included HbA1c, continuous glucose monitoring metrics, and psychosocial outcomes. Analyses employed intent-to-treat principles, using ANCOVA to evaluate between-group differences.

Results

Participants (n = 209) were 24.3 (±3.7) years old, 59.8 % female, 44.5 % non-Hispanic White, and 47.4 % publicly insured. No significant differences were found in glycemic outcomes. Intervention participants had improved diabetes-related quality of life (DQoL; least-squares [LS] mean 0.67, 95 % CI 0.02 to 1.32, p = 0.045) and reduced diabetes distress (LS-mean −0.36, CI −0.65 to −0.07, p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Generalizability may be impacted by external factors related to COVID-19. The findings suggest occupational therapy may be beneficial for young adults experiencing diabetes-related distress and poor DQoL.