The purpose of this study was to document the self-care behaviors of p
atients with type I diabetes, identify their concerns about having dia
betes, and measure their level of control (HbA1c). A 20-point question
naire was mailed to 105 young adults with type I diabetes. Fifty-nine
(56%) returned the questionnaire (33 males, mean age 23.2 years; 26 fe
males, mean age 22.7 years). Duration of diabetes was 5 months to 25 y
ears (mean = 11.28 years). HbA1c range was 5% to 13.9% (mean = 7.85%,
normal < 6.6%). Sixty-eight percent performed at least one blood gluco
se test per day and 12% reported not testing at all. The number of ins
ulin injections per day ranged from 2 to 5, and 83% regularly adjusted
their insulin dose. Confidence in adjusting insulin was not related t
o duration of diabetes, age, or sex. Insulin manipulation to control w
eight was reported by 38% (24 females, 2 males). The long-term complic
ations they were concerned about were eye disease (35%), pregnancy and
childbirth (27%), hypoglycemia (13%), and loss of independence (5%).
Hypoglycemia was always recognized by 35%, although 50% sometimes conf
used it with stress, tiredness, and high blood glucose. All subjects r
eported that hypoglycemia affected their lifestyle.