Coping in relation to self-care behaviors and control of blood glucose levels in Japanese teenagers with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Abstract

D IABETES IS NEWLY diagnosed in approximately 2 to 3 per 100,000 children up to 17 years of age each year in Japan. Diabetes education has primarily focused on self-management skills required of the patient and how the necessary skills are best taught. Relationships between psychosocial factors and control of blood glucose levels in diabetic children have been studied little in Japan. Teenagers with diabetes must attain not only usual developmental tasks but also the tasks related to diabetic management. They have to accept their diabetes and take care of themselves. Therefore, they are inevitably faced with various types of stresses with which they must cope. Control of blood glucose levels in teenagers tends to be poor. The reasons may be the hormonal storm of puberty, a large appetite due to the acceleration of growth, an increased frequency of dining out, and rebellious feelings. The attitude toward self-care in the adolescent period influences the appearance of diabetic complications in the future. Control of blood glucose levels also influences growth and psychic functioning. It is important to determine the factors associated with self-care behavior and control of blood glucose levels in teenagers so that appropriate nursing interventions can be developed.