Type 1 diabetes management responsibilities between adolescents with T1D and their parents: An integrative review

Diabetes self-management for adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a complex and multifaceted process that requires careful consideration of a supportive or shared approach to care. The purpose of this review was to synthesize the qualitative and quantitative evidence regarding the nature of adolescent-parent interactions and relationships in the context of T1D management. Of particular interest was the role of interdependence in this relationship.

An integrative review of the literature was conducted between January 2021 and April 2021 using Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) methodological strategies.

Eleven studies published between 2003 and 2018 met the review criteria. Thematic analysis identified the following three themes related to parent-adolescent relationships in care including the Effectiveness of Parental Involvement and T1D Management, Shared Responsibility and T1D Task Management, and Gaining Independence in T1D Management. This review highlights the importance of both parent and adolescent shared involvement in T1D management. In particular, parental involvement appears necessary for improved glycemic control, better adherence to the T1D management regime, and for practicing self-management in adolescents with T1D.

Better understanding of the parent-child interaction in diabetes care will provide important information to aid family nurses to identify, support, and help maintain the sharing of T1D management responsibilities between parents and their adolescents.