Self-Management Strategies in Emerging Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Introduction: We examined changes in self-management behaviors after high school graduation in a cohort of emerging adults with type 1 diabetes.

Methods: Sixty-four emerging adults reported on diabetes self-management behaviors at three time points over a 1-year period. Glycemic control and blood glucose monitoring frequency data were collected from the medical chart.

Results: Collaboration with parents decreased, diabetes problem-solving and communication increased, and glycemic control worsened during the first year after high school (p < .05). Problem solving appeared to be protective against worsening glycemic control; higher baseline diabetes problem solving significantly predicted better glycemic control at the 1-year follow-up.

Discussion: Emerging adults demonstrate increased independence in diabetes problem solving and communication with health care providers in the year after high school. Problem-solving skills may help emerging adults adapt type 1 diabetes self-care in response to unpredictable schedules after high-school, and promoting these skills may prevent deteriorations in glycemic control during this risky period.

Keywords: Type 1 diabetes; adherence; adolescents; glycemic control; problem solving; self-management.