The relationship between diabetic control and individual and family characteristics

Thirty eight children and adolescents between the ages of 10 and 17 years were examined for an association between diabetic control and psychological health determined by questionnaires to examine self concept, locus of control and family cohesion and adaptability. The group as a whole had a high score on the self esteem dimension, were moderately external on the locus of control scale and the families were considered close and flexible. HbA1 showed modest correlations with adaptability (p less than 0.05) and with locus of control (not significant on this small sample size). The data suggests, surprisingly, that there is a tendency for good diabetic control sometimes to be achieved by individuals with an external locus of control by a rigid family organisation when there is a danger that the development of autonomy and independence may be at risk. There is also the suggestion that a few individuals have achieved a balance between moderately good diabetic control and psychological health.