Exploring the Challenges and Management of Type 1 Diabetes in Adolescents

1. Introduction

Contemporary clinical practice acknowledges that challenging behaviours can lead to poor glycaemic control and that dealing with such behaviours is complex. Glycaemic control is critical for young people with Type 1 diabetes. There is evidence to suggest that puberty, Type 1 diabetes management, and the psychosocial challenges of adolescence impact on glycaemic control. Furthermore, there is a significant intensification of insulin resistance during puberty. The implications of this are that many adolescents have poor glycaemic control, thus predisposing them to more adverse health and life outcomes. Furthermore, the behaviours of adolescents have an impact on their parents, their siblings, as well as their professional carers. This research reports on the behaviours that impact on the management of diabetes in this population of adolescents, describing the complex nature of this care domain, and providing measurable variables for use by researchers and clinicians. The framework of the Parihs model has been selected in this study to help explore these complex behaviours when applied to the Type 1 diabetes neonate population, and the nature of their care. This is because of the related complexity of the focus when overt behaviours are suggestive of the inability or unwillingness to manage diabetes and hyperglycaemic/ketoacidotic events that usually result in hospitalisation. These behaviours present strong challenges to health professionals who are focused on enhancing the potential of good glycaemic control in the patients, as they are major contributors to the cost of care for the patient and the family. In addition, there is some research that indicates that these challenges increase the burden of care for the family and have a lasting impact on the family environment, influencing the interaction between the children, the parents, and the siblings. Supporting these observed findings, there are reports from parents and young adults with Type 1 diabetes, about the challenges in management during adolescence, stating that it requires complex decision-making and negotiation of care roles. With the combined information from these data sources, there is strong support for this focus.Write an Essay in 5 Minutes: Can You Handle It?Let's write

2. Understanding Type 1 Diabetes in Adolescents

Diabetes is ranked as the fourth most devastating non-communicable disease that affects children and adolescents. While Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, it is predominantly diagnosed during childhood or adolescence. Both adolescence and diabetes can be conceptualized as concomitant life challenges, with youth experiencing heightened feelings of shame, stigma, and sadness. Optimal management of Type 1 diabetes is critical to prevent the short, as well as long-term complications in adolescents. Adolescents and some parents can find it challenging to initiate the transition from child to adolescent care services with psychosocial aspects and developmental issues newly coming into focus. Adolescents often report reluctance to fully embrace their diabetes management, including regular blood glucose monitoring, insulin administration, and following dietary guidelines. It is common that both the adolescents and their carers can find aspects of managing this chronic condition difficult. Adolescents often experience significant psychological and social consequences and a range of medical and psychological problems. It is therefore important to recognize that the impact of Type I diabetes on adolescents must involve a more integrated approach so as to address the more complex psychosocial issues. This should add to a recognition of the adolescent's cognitive understanding and ability to engage with their treatment and aid in the transition by providing age-appropriate information. Equally, the provision of the right level of support is a key determinant of successful self-care and diabetes management during adolescence. Providing the framework, or safety net which adheres to the growing need for independence, but which also facilitates necessary supervision and guidance provides the security and sense of control that the adolescent so craves.

3. Challenges Faced by Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

Adolescence is a developmental period characterized by significant biological, emotional, and behavioral changes in family life, schooling, self-concept, and social relationships. In addition, adolescents try to forge an identity that distinguishes them from both childhood and adulthood while trying to establish new functional attributes with family and peers. The constant change of adolescence challenges the acquisition and maintenance of care for chronic diseases in these individuals. Thus, coping with the demands of a chronic disease, such as diabetes, requires significant modifications, co

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