Diabetes, Type 1, and the Family

The diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in a child is overwhelming for most families, requiring a major adjustment in family life. Family roles and responsibilities are adapted to incorporate the child's illness regime into the family's daily activities. The purpose of this discussion is to describe family management when a child or adolescent is diagnosed with T1DM, the newer technologies for assisting families in pediatric T1DM care, and the leading research evidence for delivering family-centered interventions. The primary goal of such interventions is to improve both physiological and psychosocial outcomes for the affected youth, including optimal glycemic control, fewer diabetes-related complications, and improved quality of life. Ultimately, the aim of interventions for the families is to facilitate appropriate management styles whereby family members ...