Perceived peer support and diabetes management from adolescence into early emerging adulthood

Objectives: The objective of the study was to examine longitudinal associations of perceived diabetesspecific peer support with adherence and glycemic control among late adolescents with type 1 diabetes as they transition out of high school and into early emerging adulthood. Method: As part of a larger study, 211 high school seniors with type 1 diabetes completed confidential online surveys and were reassessed 1 year later. Perceived diabetes-specific peer support and adherence were assessed in each survey. Glycemic control was measured with HbA1c assay kits. Results: Perceived diabetes-specific peer support in high school predicted better adherence across the subsequent year while controlling for initial levels of adherence. Perceived peer support during early emerging adulthood was also associated with better adherence across time, after controlling for initial levels of both adherence and peer support. Conclusions: Perceived diabetes-specific peer support may be a protective factor as late adolescents with type 1 diabetes transition out of high school. Building strong peer support during the transition into early emerging adulthood may facilitate better diabetes management during this high-risk time of development.