Perspectives of young adults with type 1 diabetes relating to their life and to diabetes

Abstract

Satisfaction with life is 6.6 ±1.7 and the several important factors in life vary from 7.2 ±1.8 (diabetes management capacity) to 9.1 ±1.4 (family), in a scale 0-10. Most of young adults show good adherence to dietary intake (83%), insulin therapy (83%) and glucose monitoring (73%), but only one third practice recommended physical activity. We verified positive statistically significant correlation between adherence to nutrition, insulin therapy and glucose monitoring. Youngsters present 8.7 ±1.6% as mean value for HbA1c. Highest HbA1c levels were correlated to less global adherence to diabetes treatment, perception of health, satisfaction with life and psychological adaptation to diabetes. 25% present diabetes complications. The best representations about diabetes were positively correlated with adherence to nutrition and insulin therapy. Youngsters with better psychological adaptation to diabetes have better adherence to diabetes treatment relating to nutrition, insulin therapy and glucose monitoring. Young adults consider having a good social support and refer the benefits of group sessions and summer camps with other youngsters with type 1 diabetes.