Health-Related Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

Purpose: The evaluation of the children’s quality of life has been established and applied to those suffering from chronic diseases concerning mainly the appreciation of the effectiveness of health care provision. The incidence of Type 1 diabetes has increased recently, posing a challenge to healthcare specialists, while it is considered to be a significant stress factor for the family.

Methods: A review of epidemiological studies was conducted within the Medline and Cinahl databases. Following the application of the eligibility criteria, we identified 17 appropriate studies.

Results: Youth with type 1 diabetes report remarkably similar quality of life to a nondiabetic youth population. Later age of onset of diabetes, good metabolic control, fewer hyperglycemic episodes, lower glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and intensified insulin therapy are associated with a better health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Educational intervention for adolescents with type 1 diabetes and family support could be a safeguard against possible deterioration in QoL and glycemic control over time.

Conclusions: Chronic diseases affect not only the child’s life but also its families’. For this reason there is a need for well- educated and specialized nurses to support and lead the families to the effective management of the disease.