Type 1 Diabetes and ADHD – What is the Connection?
ADHD and type 1 diabetes are two conditions that are being proven to have a strong connection. Both conditions can impact day-to-day life.
Living with both conditions can make everyday diabetes management more challenging. We dig a little deeper into the latest research, and how to manage both conditions simultaneously.
What is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that typically develops in childhood. It affects around 1 in 20 people in Australia and looks different across ages and genders.
Recently, awareness of the condition has increased, with thousands of adults seeking assessment and diagnosis, a trend that’s often referred to as the rise of ‘adult ADHD’.
According to the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA), in just seven years, the number of Australians diagnosed with ADHD has more than doubled and medications prescribed for the condition has seen an increase of approximately 300% in ten years.
It is typically grouped into three main types, though many subtypes exist:
- Inattentive
- Hyperactive/impulsive
- Combined
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune condition where the body is unable to produce insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. It requires lifelong management with insulin and an around-the-clock management approach.
People living with type 1 diabetes make up to 180 extra decisions a day to manage their condition.
What’s the Link?
Although there have only been small studies conducted, early evidence suggests children with ADHD may have between a 30 and 40 per cent higher prevalence of T1D.
ADHD and T1D often occur together in what’s called a ‘bidirectional relationship’. This means that children with ADHD are more likely to develop T1D as well as those living with T1D are at higher risk of also having ADHD.
Research connecting both conditions are still in the early stages, but initial studies show a solid relationship.
For example, a recent study involving 273 people living with type 1 diabetes used the Adult Self-Report Scale (ASRS) to screen for ADHD symptoms.
Results showed:
- One in three participants met criteria for ADHD.
- 15% already had a diagnosis or were taking medication.
- Many experienced depressive symptoms which meant their blood glucose management was impacted.
The Impact of Living with Both Conditions
Common ADHD experiences, such as time blindness, poor organisation, distractibility, and burnout, can directly affect diabetes care.
Counting carbohydrates, monitoring blood glucose, or remembering insulin doses can be harder to manage consistently when also managing ADHD.
It is possible that this decrease in management can increase the risk of developing complications.
Read more about mental health management from lived-experience.
Management Strategies
There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to managing either condition, let alone both. Combining practical tools with professional support can make a big difference.
The workplace
- Use reminders and alarms to stay on top of medication.
- Schedule regular breaks.
- Break tasks up to reduce overwhelm.
- Share your needs with trusted colleagues or managers.
Annual cycle of care
- Talk to your health management team about ADHD symptoms that may impact your diabetes management.
- Explore options for ADHD treatment, including behavioural strategies, coaching, or medication.
- Ask your healthcare team to help tailor your diabetes care plan with ADHD in mind.
While managing both ADHD and T1D can feel overwhelming at times, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. With the right strategies and support, people can thrive while living with both conditions.
Reach Out
If you are feeling isolated or as though you're not managing as well as you would like, you are not alone. There are support options, including peer support groups, counsellors, diabetes specific psychologists or anyone within your health care team. If you are looking for a health care team, the Diabetes Care Plus team is here for you.
You can also call the diabetes help line on 1300 437 386 at any time to discuss your needs.
If this story has raised any issues for you, there is immediate help.
References
Definitions:
Neurodevelopmental: Relating to or involving the development of the nervous system.
Bidirectional relationship: The presence of one condition increases the risk or prevalence of the other, in both directions.
Hyperactive: extremely or unusually active.
