Sponsorship for adolescents with diabetes

In this intervention, teenagers with diabetes were introduced to insulin-dependent adults who served as their sponsors. The study used an experimental design with 54 adolescents randomized into experimental and control groups. Data were collected from biochemical markers, psychometric instruments, and interviews. Analysis of hemoglobins showed no differences between groups, although means for the intervention group declined. Intervention adolescents were less likely to agree that "I wish I could run away" and "I wish I didn't have diabetes" and showed higher self-esteem with regard to social acceptance and romantic appeal. Interview data showed that the adolescent-sponsor relationship provided a vital source of support that helped the adolescents develop awareness of their potential, contributing to feelings of validation and responsible regimen management. This study provides an evaluation of an innovative strategy for improving compliance in a high-risk population. The effectiveness of the intervention for black and Hispanic teenagers suggests that the program would be particularly viable in medical centers in minority communities.