Quality of life in school-aged children with type 1 diabetes on intensive treatment and their parents.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the child, parent, and family factors associated with quality of life and metabolic control in school-aged children with type 1 diabetes on intensive treatment.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis was performed of child, parent, and family psychosocial variables with child quality of life and metabolic control.

RESULTS

Families of school-aged children were able to intensively manage type 1 diabetes, achieve good metabolic control (< 7.5%), experience good quality of life, and cope well with the demands of treatment. However, increased depressive symptoms were reported in children (8%) and a parent (29%).

CONCLUSIONS

Most school-aged children and families in this sample coped well with the demands of intensive treatment. However, intensive psychosocial support may also be indicated because managing a complex chronic illness is stressful and potentially difficult for some families.