Improving Quality of Life in Children with Diabetes

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A new study shows children with type 1 diabetes have remarkably the same quality of life as children without diabetes. But the study did show interventions to help the family deal with diabetes are needed.

An increasing number of youth with diabetes require intensive treatment programs to reduce their development of complications. These programs can cause an extra burden on the routines and relationships of children and their families. Researchers say it’s important to conduct research on how diabetes and its treatments impact the quality of life of the patient and family. Researchers from Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston conducted a study to compare the life of youth with type 1 diabetes to the general pediatric population.

The study included 100 children between 8 and 17 years old with type 1 diabetes. The children were diagnosed with diabetes six months to six years prior. Each child and parent completed a quality of life questionnaire and provided information on parent involvement in diabetes management. The child’s blood sugar control was also evaluated.

Researchers report the responses from the youth with diabetes were stable over one year and similar to answers from healthy youth. The only area that showed a diminished impact on the quality of life of the child was diabetes-specific family conflict.

Authors say the study shows the overall quality of life for youth with type 1 diabetes is very similar to the nondiabetic youth population. However, they point out that modifiable diabetes-related family interactions are appropriate targets for clinical interventions to optimize the well being of youth with type 1 diabetes.

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SOURCE: Diabetes Care, 2003;26:3067-3073