Volume 37, Issue 9 pp. 1454-1462
Systematic Review Or Meta-Analysis

Psychosocial factors associated with HbA1c in adults with insulin pump-treated type 1 diabetes: a systematic review

S. Schmidt

Corresponding Author

S. Schmidt

Steno Diabetes Centre Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark

*Correspondence to: Signe Schmidt. E-mail: [email protected]

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M. Andersen Nexø

M. Andersen Nexø

Steno Diabetes Centre Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark

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O. Norgaard

O. Norgaard

Steno Diabetes Centre Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark

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I. Willaing

I. Willaing

Steno Diabetes Centre Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark

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U. Pedersen-Bjergaard

U. Pedersen-Bjergaard

Nordsjællands Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark

Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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T. C. Skinner

T. C. Skinner

Institute of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia

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K. Nørgaard

K. Nørgaard

Steno Diabetes Centre Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark

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First published: 24 June 2020
Citations: 9

Abstract

Aims

To identify currently available studies on the association between psychosocial factors and HbA1c in adults with insulin pump-treated type 1 diabetes, by performing a systematic review of the literature.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched for original studies on the association between psychosocial factors and HbA1c in ≥ 50 adult, non-pregnant, insulin pump users with type 1 diabetes.

Results

The search resulted in 1777 unique records, of which eight were eligible for inclusion. All identified studies were observational, with sample sizes ranging from 51 to 214. Seven different psychosocial factors were investigated in the eight studies. Study analysis suggested that HbA1c may be associated with diabetes numeracy and quality of life. There were no indications of associations between HbA1c and fear of hypoglycaemia or self-efficacy. Results regarding associations between HbA1c and coping style, diabetes distress and locus of control were inconsistent.

Conclusions

This systematic review summarizes the currently limited information on the association between psychosocial factors and HbA1c during insulin pump therapy. The evidence base of the included studies was weak, and this review highlights the need for more research in these areas, with improved methodological and theoretical frameworks, including exploration of a broader spectrum of psychosocial variables and their potential association with HbA1c and other metabolic outcomes.

(PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews registration no: CRD42020145705).

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