The Relationship between Diabetes Control, Stress, Depression, Social Relationship, and Academic Achievement of School Age Children

The present study examined the relationship between diabetic mellitus management, stress, depression, social relationship, and academic achievement in children ages 10 to 18. Diabetic mellitus is an autoimmune disease where the body\u27s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas (Type 1), or the body does not produce enough insulin or insulin resistance occurs (Type 2). There is limited information about children with diabetes particularly as it relates to their learning outcomes. Participants with diabetes were recruited from a school and medical setting. Each participant completed rating scales to assess stress, depression, academic achievement, family and peer relationship and support, locus of control, and HbA1c (glucose level showing the level of control). Results indicated that children with uncontrolled diabetes had high depression level, high stress level, low academic achievement scores, high peer problems, and low social relationships. In addition, higher HbA1c level was significantly correlated with negative social support and diabetic support. It was also observed that children with high internal locus of control had better academic achievement. Given the rise of type-2 diabetes in children, these findings may have implications for intervention. In other words, effective intervention for social emotional factors related to diabetes can be easily developed and implemented by school or medical professionals