The Impact of an Adolescent-Friendly Approach on Metabolic Control in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes in Türkiye

Background/Objectives: Metabolic control worsens in adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes. In this study, adolescent-friendly structured adolescent interviews were conducted to identify psychosocial problems. The effect of providing the necessary support for these problems on metabolic control was evaluated. Methods: In this study, a survey asking about personal, family, school, and diabetes-related information was administered face-to-face to 21 adolescents with Type 1 diabetes and poor metabolic control. At each visit, the structured adolescent interview was conducted under the headings of HEEADSSS (home/education/eating/activity/addiction/depression/safety). Patients who required it were seen by the adolescent health department's dietitian and psychologist using a transdisciplinary approach. The patients' HbA1c levels were compared before and after the study, with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months. Results: Of the 21 patients with a calendar age of 13.6 ± 1.7 years and a diabetes duration of 6.4 ± 3.6 years, 14 (66.7%) were female. The mean pre-study HbA1c level was 10.9 ± 1.9%, while the post-study level was 9.3 ± 1.9% (p = 0.002). While 100% of patients had poor metabolic control before the study, this rate decreased to 47.6% with the adolescent-friendly approach. No significant difference was found between the two groups (those with improved metabolic control and those without) in terms of relationship with mother, relationship with father, family relationships, mother and father education level, school success, and screen time. Conclusions: The adolescent-friendly approach has a highly positive effect on the metabolic control of adolescents with Type 1 diabetes, and this approach should be adopted by physicians who follow this patient group.