Effect of support intervention on glycemic control in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes

Diabetes is a challenging chronic condition. Daily regimens can include injections, blood glucose monitoring, and specialized dietary and exercise regimen. Compliance with a prescribed treatment plan can be difficult especially when the challenges of adolescence are intertwined with this disease process".The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of social support on glycemic control in adolescents with type-1 diabetes. Orem's Theory of Self-Care Deficit will be used as the theoretical framework for the study. A SelfCare deficit describes the action capabilities needed by an individual and the difference between their demands for care. Self-Care must be deliberately performed by, or for, all humans to maintain health and well-being.The Diabetes Social Support Questionnaire-Friend Version will be used to gather data. Glycosolated hemoglobin will be used to measure glycemic control.A group of 150 campers at the North Carolina summer camp for adolescent diabetics will be the subject pool for this quasi-experimental study. A pretest post-test repeated measures design will be used.Permission will be obtained from Ball State University and the participating camp agency to conduct the study. The registered campers who are 12-17 years of age will be invited to participate. Each will be mailed an explanatory letter and a consent form that will need to be signed by the camper and parent. The social intervention at camp will be focused peer interaction and support training.Diabetes mellitus is a relatively common condition, which can result in severe long-term complications causing considerable morbidity and leading to significant demands on the healthcare system. This study is significant as it will provide information for healthcare providers, friends, and family members on how best to support the efforts of the adolescent diabetic.School of NursingThesis (M.S.