Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs Second Study (DAWN2): Understanding Diabetes-Related Psychosocial Outcomes for Canadians with Diabetes

DAWN2 assessed the psychosocial impact of diabetes on persons with diabetes (PWDs), family members and healthcare professionals (HCPs) across 17 countries. This article reports on the Canadian cohort of PWDs.

PWDs completed online, validated self-report scales assessing quality of life (QOL), self-management, beliefs, social support and priorities for improving diabetes care. Analyses used unweighted data.

Of 500 participants (80 type 1, 420 type 2) positive self-reported QOL was common (64.6%) and likely depression less common (12.8%). Diabetes distress, however, was identified by almost half of PWDs with type 1 diabetes, and one-quarter of PWDs with type 2 (47.5% vs. 25.7% type 2; p<0.001). Numerous life areas were negatively impacted, particularly finances, work and emotional well-being for those with type 1 diabetes (p<0.001 vs. type 2). Most PWDs reported support from family, friends and HCPs, but few reported being asked by HCPs how diabetes affected their lives. Most PWDs participated in (type 1, 90.0%; type 2, 85.7%) and valued (type 1, 84.7%; type 2, 78.1%) diabetes education. Few PWDs relied on community supports (type 1, 17.5%; type 2, 26.9%), and discrimination was not uncommon for those with type 1 (33.8% vs. 12.4% for type 2; p<0.001).

PWDs experience psychological challenges that should be addressed within diabetes management services.