Mothers' experiences raising young children with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Issues and purpose: To examine the day-to-day experiences of mothers raising children 4 years of age and younger with type 1 diabetes.

Design and methods: The descriptive design compared mothers of children with (n = 25) and without diabetes (n = 25). Mother-child observations were completed for children with diabetes.

Results: Mothers of children with diabetes are very skilled in reading their children's behavioral cues. Mothers' concerns included the fear of hypoglycemia and seizure activity, access to daycare centers, and babysitting services capable of caring for their children's condition. These responses significantly differed from the control group mothers.

Practice implications: Nurses can affirm that hypoglycemia-related fears are normal and help mothers identify community resources that might ease the burden of care required, especially during the early postdiagnosis period.