Correlates of Self-Reported Executive Function Impairment Among Medicaid Beneficiaries With Type 2 Diabetes

AIMS | Executive function (EF) impairment is associated with poorer outcomes for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Previous research has identified risk factors for EF impairment, but many of these are also associated with type 2 diabetes. To address this issue, this study identified relevant variables from the literature and compared their association with EF in a sample of people with type 2 diabetes. METHODS | Adult members of a Medicaid health plan diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were enrolled in a social needs intervention trial. Using baseline data from the trial, bivariate and multivariable regression analyses examined associations between EF and demographic, health, and psychosocial factors. RESULTS | When controlling for other factors, we identified six significant correlates of EF impairment: age (b = 0.10), education (college vs. no college; b =-0.38), depression symptoms (b = 0.18), comorbidity burden (b = 0.21), diabetes-related distress (b = 0.14), and future time orientation (b =-0.13). CONCLUSION | Our analysis identified several factors associated with greater EF impairment, which may interfere with diabetes self-management. Providers should consider these factors when prescribing treatments and determine whether additional resources or accommodations are warranted.