Association Between Anxiety Symptoms and Glycemic Control among Type 1 Diabetic Adolescents at Diabetes Clinic in Suez Canal University Hospital

Background: Anxiety is a common mental health disorder in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and is linked to poorer self-management and glycemic control. Assessing its association with glycemic control is important, especially since this relationship has not been adequately studied in Egypt. Aim: To assess the relationship between anxiety symptoms and glycemic control in adolescents with T1D. Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study involved 201 adolescents with T1D, conducted at the diabetes clinic of Suez Canal University Hospital in Ismailia governorate. Data was collected using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire. Results: Approximately 69% of the patients had clinically significant STAI state and trait anxiety scores, categorized as moderate or high. A statistically significant positive and strong correlation existed between state and trait anxiety scores (r = 0.8, p < 0.001). However, weak positive correlations were observed between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and both state anxiety scores (r = 0.154, p = 0.03) and trait anxiety scores (r = 0.174, p = 0.013). Conclusion: Anxiety symptoms are highly prevalent among adolescents with T1D. Higher anxiety scores are associated with elevated HbA1c levels and poorer glycemic control. Recognizing and properly managing psychological disorders in these adolescents is crucial for achieving better health outcomes.