Psychosocial factors and metabolic control in adolescents with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Psychosocial factors have been proved to be important for the adaptation to insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in adolescence. This study explored associations between health status (HbA1c) and psychosocial factors among 30 adolescents with type I diabetes mellitus. Six groups of variables were investigated as possibly relating to metabolic control: demographic and disease specific factors, self concept, life events, coping strategies and locus of control. Results show a poorer disease control in adolescents living in broken homes and in adolescents with specific coping patterns, low self concept measures and a greater number of live events in the last twelve months. Implications for the treatment of diabetic adolescents are discussed.