Optimal insulin delivery in adolescents with diabetes: impact of intensive treatment on psychosocial adjustment

Abstract

The psychosocial effects of recent advances in the management of diabetes mellitus are unknown and could conceivably be adverse, particularly during the critical period of adolescence. Seven teenagers were evaluated by standard psychosocial scales and a detailed questionnaire before and on completion of a 6-mo intensive management program utilizing home glucose monitoring and multiple injections or the insulin infusion pump. All achieved improved metabolic control with inpatient glucose values (during 24-h monitoring) falling from 244 +/- 58 to 108 +/- 10 mg/dl, glycosylated hemoglobin levels falling from 11.8 +/- 2.9% to 8.4 +/- 1.7%, and home glucose levels averaging 121 +/- 16 mg/dl. Standardized scales evaluating depression, diabetic adjustment, self-esteem, and social adjustment indicated no deterioration in psychosocial functioning. There was a statistically significant increase in locus of control scores, suggesting an improved sense of internal control of life events. The program questionnaire revealed a positive response to both the program and the control devices used. This study suggests that the positive metabolic benefits of intensive diabetic management during adolescence are not offset by adverse psychosocial effects and indeed positive psychosocial benefits may result.