Project

Diabetic Support Group or Group Intervention For Adolescence With Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic condition that is increasing worldwide and it accounts for five to ten percent of all diagnosed cases in the U.S. (NIDDK, 2013). Living with a severe chronic disease such as T1D requires continuous maintenance of the disease to prevent associated complications. Diabetes affects quality of life (QOL) and as QOL diminishes, so does adherence. Adolescents and especially early adolescence are vulnerable during this stage of development. During this difficult time, metabolic controls and self-management decline significantly impacting QOL. Everyday management is intensive and can be a very complex and challenging for most adolescence, as they often are not ready to handle the demands to self-manage diabetes on their own. There is limited support outside the hospital and clinical area for youths with T1D and their caregiver. Support groups with group interventions focusing on psychosocial issues and diabetic management can provide support to adolescents and their caregivers during this vulnerable time. Research has identified that providing continued support to adolescents with T1D and their families can improve quality of life.

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