A new perspective on diabetes distress using the type 2 diabetes distress assessment system (T2-DDAS): Prevalence and change over time

To establish cut-points and thresholds for elevated diabetes distress; document change over time; and define minimal clinically important differences (MCID) using the new Type 2 Diabetes Distress Assessment System (T2-DDAS). A national sample of adults with type 2 diabetes completed the T2-DDAS CORE distress scale and the 7 T2-DDAS SOURCE distress scales at baseline and 6-months. Scores were computed separately for insulin- and non-insulin users. Spline regression models defined CORE cut-points and SEM formulas defined MCID. A rational “threshold” approach defined elevated SOURCE scores. 471 participants (205 insulin, 266 non-insulin) completed both assessments. Analyses yielded ≥2.0 as the cut-point for both elevated CORE and elevated SOURCE. Prevalence of elevated CORE was 61.8 % (69.9 % over 6 months). Elevated SOURCE scores varied from 30.6 % (Stigma/Shame) to 76.4 % (Management); 87.5 % indicated at least 1 elevated SOURCE score. Most (77.1 %) reported multiple elevated SOURCES. 81.8 % with elevated CORE distress at baseline remained elevated at 6 months. MCID analyses yielded +/− 0.25 as significant change. Few differences between insulin- and non-insulin users occurred. Elevated CORE distress is highly prevalent and persistent over time; most participants reported multiple SOURCES of distress. Findings highlight the need for comprehensive assessment of diabetes distress. •The 6-month cumulative prevalence of CORE elevated diabetes distress among adults with type 2 diabetes is high, over 60 %•Most T2D adults report elevated distress from multiple sources.•Elevated distress trends to be chronic over time.•There are few differences in the prevalence and chronicity of distress between insulin and non-insulin using T2D adults.