Adolescents' views about glycaemic control

We have investigated the views of young people aged 10–17 years (n=87) and their parents (n=85) about glycaemic control. Standardised interview schedules and diabetes-specific psychometric scales were used, and glycaemic control was assessed by the mean glycated haemoglobin during the six months before and after the interview. Glycaemic control was related to the level of blood glucose values the young people aimed for, and the level they found worryingly high. Sixty-nine per cent reported knowledge of complications: this knowledge was associated with a negative attitude to diabetes but was unrelated to glycaemic control Poor understanding of diabetes was associated with young age at diagnosis, and with paternal manual occupation. The educational implications of these results are discussed.

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