Psychosocial Issues That Affect Youth with Diabetes

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes, one of the most common diseases of childhood, requires adherence to a complicated regimen which is often times difficult to manage resulting in stress for children, siblings, and caregivers. Many children with diabetes are nonadherent, likely due to the difficulty and complexity of the tasks required, and, thus, are at greater risk for diabetes related complications. For health care educators, it is important to understand the various psychosocial issues that affect adherence and adjustment to diabetes. This article will discuss these issues, including coping with a new diagnosis, school factors, regimen adherence and family variable and parenting strategies. Recommendations for health care educators are also discussed.