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Ann Pediatr Endocrinol Metab > Volume 30(6); 2025 > Article
Fatima, Ahmad, and Munir: Commentary on "The effects of self-compassion in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes: a pilot randomized controlled trial"
To the editor,
I commend Jerawatana et al. [1] for their groundbreaking work in exploring the role of self-compassion in managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) in adolescents and young adults. Their study provides valuable insight into the psychological dimensions of diabetes care and highlights the potential for self-compassion interventions in improving glycemic control [1]. However, I would like to raise several points that could further enhance the study's scope and the understanding of this intervention's efficacy.
Firstly, the study did not measure participant adherence to self-compassion practices beyond session attendance. It remains unclear whether the observed benefits were due to sustained engagement with the self-compassion techniques taught during the intervention. Recent research by Yuceer and Cinar [2] underscores the importance of adherence in behavioral interventions, revealing that participants who practiced self-compassion daily showed a 1.5% greater reduction in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) compared to those who did not engage consistently. This adherence factor could significantly affect the outcomes, and future studies should consider tracking daily practice using mobile applications or digital tools, ensuring that self-compassion practices are applied consistently across participants.
Secondly, the absence of physiological biomarkers to support the findings limits the depth of the conclusions. Although the study measured HbA1c, it did not explore markers such as cortisol levels or C-reactive protein, which are critical in understanding the physiological effects of psychological interventions. A 2025 study by Kassem et al. [3] found that individuals who participated in a self-compassion program exhibited significant reductions in cortisol levels, with an average decrease of 12.5% in their baseline levels, alongside a 0.75% reduction in HbA1c. Including such biomarkers would provide a clearer picture of the underlying biological mechanisms and enhance the study's credibility by offering objective data to complement the self-reported outcomes.
Thirdly, the study's findings may not apply to all demographic groups due to limited diversity and inclusion in participant selection. The sample was predominantly Thai, and the authors did not explore how socioeconomic status or ethnic diversity might influence the outcomes of the intervention. A recent study by Liu et al. [4] found that ethnic minorities with T1D in the United States demonstrated a 20% lower response rate to psychological interventions due to cultural differences in the acceptance and practice of self-compassion. Including diverse populations in future studies would help determine whether the benefits of self-compassion are universally applicable or need to be culturally adapted.
Lastly, while the study utilized virtual group meetings, it did not explore the potential of technology-based self-compassion tools such as mobile apps or artificial intelligence-driven platforms. These tools have gained traction in diabetes care, offering scalable and personalized interventions. A recent study by Boggiss et al. [5] demonstrated that youth with T1D who used a selfcompassion mobile app showed an average 2% reduction in HbA1c over 12 weeks, compared to the 0.5% reduction seen in nonusers. Incorporating technology could make self-compassion interventions more accessible, engaging, and easier to sustain, particularly for young adults who may find in-person sessions challenging due to busy schedules.
In conclusion, while the study Jerawatana et al. [1] represents a significant step forward in integrating psychological interventions into diabetes care, addressing these limitations could provide a more nuanced and robust understanding of the role of self-compassion in managing T1D. Incorporating measures of adherence, exploring physiological biomarkers, ensuring cultural inclusivity, and leveraging technology-based tools are crucial steps in refining this intervention and expanding its applicability to a broader population.

Notes

Conflicts of interest

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

References

1. Jerawatana R, Weinstein B, Phattanasri CN, Saetung S, Sahakitrungruang T, Tachanivate P, et al. The effects of selfcompassion in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Ann Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2025;30:190-200.
crossref pmid pmc pdf
2. Yuceer B, Cinar FI. Multidimensional factors associated with treatment adherence in Type II diabetes: the roles of spiritual well-being and mindfulness. Complement Ther Med 2025;94:103251.
crossref pmid pdf
3. Kassem S, Samuels N, Ben-Arye E. Integrative medicine for patients with diabetes and mental health disorders: a narrative review. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2025;27:509-18.
crossref pmid pmc pdf
4. Liu Y, Cai C, Tian J, Shen L, Tang PY, Coufal MM, et al. Community-based peer support for diabetes management: 24-month changes relative to comparison communities. Diabetes Care 2025;48:807-15.
crossref pmid pmc pdf
5. Boggiss AL, Babbott K, Milford Ā, Ellett S, Consedine N, Reid S, et al. The usability and feasibility of a self-compassion chatbot (COMPASS) for youth living with type 1 diabetes. Diabet Med 2025;42:e70115.
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