RESUMEN
Type 1 diabetes is a tremendously challenging and complex disease for children and families to manage. Advances in research are constantly bringing about changes in therapies and treatments with the hope of improving the quality of life for youth with type 1 diabetes and their families. Accurate diagnosis, education, treatment, and referral to a certified diabetes educator, endocrinologist, dietitian, social worker, and psychologist are needed to provide the child with the skills necessary to manage diabetes over a lifetime. Nurses and nurse practitioners must be informed of the most current treatments and research available for their patients so that they can encourage their patients to live full and healthy lives.
Asunto(s)
Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1 , Adolescente , Niño , Preescolar , Complicaciones de la Diabetes/prevención & control , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1/diagnóstico , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1/enfermería , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1/terapia , Humanos , Hipoglucemiantes/uso terapéutico , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Insulina/uso terapéutico , AutocuidadoRESUMEN
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the child, parent, and family factors associated with quality of life and metabolic control in school-aged children with type 1 diabetes on intensive treatment. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was performed of child, parent, and family psychosocial variables with child quality of life and metabolic control. RESULTS: Families of school-aged children were able to intensively manage type 1 diabetes, achieve good metabolic control (< 7.5%), experience good quality of life, and cope well with the demands of treatment. However, increased depressive symptoms were reported in children (8%) and a parent (29%). CONCLUSIONS: Most school-aged children and families in this sample coped well with the demands of intensive treatment. However, intensive psychosocial support may also be indicated because managing a complex chronic illness is stressful and potentially difficult for some families.