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Adolescent diabetes management and mismanagement
J Weissberg-Benchell1, A M Glasgow, W D Tynan
1Children's National Medical Center, Department of Endocrinology, Washington, DC 20010.
Diabetes Care
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Many adolescents with diabetes use self-made management techniques, with 25% missing insulin shots. This mismanagement is linked to poorer glycemic control and is more common in older teens.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Adolescent Health
- Diabetes Management
Background:
- Adolescents with diabetes often develop unique self-management strategies.
- Understanding these techniques is crucial for effective diabetes care in this age group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the existence and prevalence of adolescent-generated diabetes management techniques.
- To identify specific mismanagement behaviors and their correlation with glycemic control.
Main Methods:
- A confidential questionnaire was administered to 144 adolescents.
- Glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were obtained for each participant.
- The questionnaire was designed to identify blatant mismanagement and faking behaviors.
Main Results:
- A significant percentage of adolescents admitted to mismanagement behaviors, including missing insulin injections (25%).
- Missing insulin injections was significantly associated with poor glycemic control (P < 0.01).
- Older adolescents demonstrated higher rates of mismanagement compared to younger adolescents (P < 0.001).
- Parents often underestimate the extent of mismanagement by their adolescent children.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent-generated diabetes management techniques, particularly mismanagement, are prevalent.
- Recognizing and addressing these behaviors is essential for improving diabetes outcomes in adolescents.
- Interventions should consider the age-related differences in mismanagement and the potential for deception.