The effect of social support and parental monitoring on glycaemic control in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Rationale: Glycaemic control is a crucial aspect of managing type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Strict glycaemic control has been proven to reduce the long-term complications of the disease. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of parental involvement in diabetes care and social support on glycaemic control in adolescents with T1DM. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 94 adolescents and their parents admitted to a university hospital between January and July 2023 were included in the study. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (PMDC-R) and Parental Monitoring Scale (MSPSS) in Diabetes Care of Adolescents with T1DM were used as data collection tools. Results: Females constituted 63.8% of the adolescents who participated in the study and the glycaemic control of females was significantly lower than males (p < 0.05). The mean HbA1c of the adolescents was 8.65 + 1.57. In the study, PMDC-R and MSPSS scores of adolescents with good and poor glycaemic control were compared. The PMDC-R of the good control group were statistically significantly higher than the poor control group (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the MSPSS scores. Conclusion: Parental supervision plays a protective role in adolescents, and glycaemic control is better as parental supervision increases. Paediatric nurses should collaborate with parents in diabetes management. This approach may help adolescents to be more successful in diabetes management.