THE MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES IN ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG-ADULTS - A PRELIMINARY CASE-STUDY

This paper describes one part of a first-stage study concerned with th e care received by a group of adolescents and young adults with insuli n-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in one district health authority. The paper reports findings from a self-selected sample of 30 patients aged between 15 and 25. Each of the 30 patients was interviewed durin g a routine appointment at a diabetes clinic. The patients' doctor at the clinic and one of the diabetes specialist nurses also filled in a short questionnaire for each of the patients interviewed. The main fin ding was that although all 30 patients interviewed reported that their diabetes control was at least moderately good, a significant number o f patients had blood glucose levels above the recommended norm. The st udy lends support to the widely held belief that young adults with dia betes have particular difficulties in maintaining blood glucose levels within a normal range. It is suggested that processes within the curr ent mode of care may be contributing to this poor level of control. Re commendations for a controlled trial of specialist nurse versus doctor care are made.