Parents hold the key to diabetes control amongst teens

Mon, 12 Apr 2010
Teenagers who have type 1 diabetes are more likely to closely manage their condition if their parents are diligent and help them. Those that have lax parents or a difficult parental relationship could face greater trials in managing type 1 diabetes, according to a recent study.

Psychologist Pamela King of the University of Utah was reported as saying "The findings suggest that if we could improve the quality of the parent-adolescent relationship and increase parents' monitoring of adolescents' diabetes management, we could improve adolescents' adherence to the type 1 diabetes regimen and, subsequently, their long-term health ."

Properly managing type 1 diabetes is complex and demanding, and requires multiple daily blood glucose tests and insulin injections, as well as a diet with limited fat and carbohydrates, regular exercise, and adjustments to insulin dosage depending on both. King found teens were particularly sensitive, commenting:

"Adolescence is a challenging time for those with a chronic illness. Adolescents experience a variety of biological, psychological and social changes before they reach adulthood. Adolescents with a chronic illness have to cope with these normal developmental challenges, while trying to manage the demands of their chronic illness."

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