Cognitive, Mental, Emotional and Social Impacts of Type 1 Diabetes on Adolescent Development: A Guide for Clinicians, Educators and Caregivers
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Authors
Fulla, Kristin
Issue Date
2025-08-28
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
Type 1 Diabetes , T1D , adolescent development , cognitive impairment , interpersonal neurobiology , IPNB , psychosocial impact , diabetic ketoacidosis , DKA , glycemic control , white matter integrity , neuropsychological assessment
Alternative Title
Abstract
This capstone project examines the neurobiological impact of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) on adolescent development to fill interdisciplinary research gaps and improve practices for mental health professionals, educators, and caregivers. The capstone contains a literature review of studies published between 2019 and 2025 (via PsycINFO, PubMed, ProQuest, ERIC) and is based on Daniel Siegel's Brainstorm (2015) conceptualization of adolescent neurobiological development. Multiple studies note significant structural and functional brain changes in adolescents with T1D. These include reduced white matter volume and altered prefrontal cortex activity, correlating with impairments in memory, processing speed, executive function, and motor coordination. Additionally, adolescents with previous incidences of novelty-seeking behaviour are associated with increased activation in reward brain regions moderated by cognitive control systems. These neurobiological changes intersect with psychosocial stressors, such as family and peer relationships, and provide opportunities for resilience. The project advances a holistic, developmentally sensitive model to integrate medical and mental health approaches in order to assist adolescents living with T1D to achieve emotional well-being.
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Publisher
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
openAccess
openAccess