Open AccessSignificance of family and peer support for metabolic control of type 1 diabetes in adolescents
Author(s) -
Dušanka Đurović,
Dragan Katanić,
Jovan Vlaški
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
psihologija
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 16
eISSN - 1451-9283
pISSN - 0048-5705
DOI - 10.2298/psi0904505d
Subject(s) - metabolic control analysis , social support , peer support , diabetes mellitus , medicine , family support , scale (ratio) , control (management) , family history , psychology , endocrinology , psychiatry , social psychology , physical therapy , physics , management , quantum mechanics , economics
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