YOUNG-ADULT PERSPECTIVES OF INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES

Authors
Citation
Pl. Dunning, YOUNG-ADULT PERSPECTIVES OF INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES, The Diabetes educator, 21(1), 1995, pp. 58-65
Citations number
NO
Categorie Soggetti
Endocrynology & Metabolism","Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Journal title
ISSN journal
01457217
Volume
21
Issue
1
Year of publication
1995
Pages
58 - 65
Database
ISI
SICI code
0145-7217(1995)21:1<58:YPOID>2.0.ZU;2-X
Abstract
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.