Significance of family and peer support for metabolic control of type 1 diabetes in adolescents Cover Image

Značaj podrške porodice i vršnjaka za metaboličku kontrolu dijabetesa Tip 1 kod adolescenata
Significance of family and peer support for metabolic control of type 1 diabetes in adolescents

Author(s): Dušanka Đurović, Dragan Katanić, Jovan Vlaški
Subject(s): Developmental Psychology, Health and medicine and law
Published by: Društvo psihologa Srbije
Keywords: diabetes Type 1; metabolic control; social support; family; adolescents;

Summary/Abstract: The aim of the paper was to explore the significance of family and peer support for metabolic control of Type 1 diabetes in adolescents. Metabolic control refers to maintenance of acceptable blood glucose level thus diminishing risk for chronic complications. It involves regular insulin shots, measuring blood glucose and keeping diary, as the daily based self-control. Regular visits to endocrinologist and screening for chronic complications are compulsory. The sample comprised 79 adolescents age 10-17 years with diagnose of Type 1 diabetes and properly treated at the institute. The sample was divided in two groups – with good (N=40) and poor (N=39) metabolic control. A criterium for good metabolic control was glycosilated hemoglobin less than 7,6%. Social support was measured by Social Support Scale consisting of two parts – the first for estimation of registered family support (based upon modified Perceived Social Support Family Scale) and the second for estimation of registered friends’ support (modified Perceived Social Support Friend Scale). Adolescents with good metabolic control referred statistically more significant social support in the family, unlike the group with poor metabolic control. Considering peer social support, there was no statistically significant difference. Positive family history for diabetes also appeared to be directly linked to good metabolic control.

  • Issue Year: 42/2009
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 505-515
  • Page Count: 11
  • Language: Serbian