The impact of type I diabetes in the psychosocial life of adolescents
Authors:   Department of Ethics and Social Sciences, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, Romania, Salcudean Andreea , Morosanu Georgiana Maria ,   Faculty of Medicine, “George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, Romania, Sasu Andreea Bianca ,   Psychiatry Clinic 1, County Clinical Hospital Mures, Targu Mures, Romania, Nan Andreea Georgiana ,   Psychiatry Clinic 1, County Clinical Hospital Mures, Targu Mures, Romania, Cîmpian Dora Mihaela ,   Psychiatry Clinic 1, County Clinical Hospital Mures, Targu Mures, Romania, Bodo Cristina ,   Department of Ethics and Social Sciences, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, Romania, Cozma Melania ,   Department of Ethics and Social Sciences, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, Romania, Craciun Elena Ramona ,   Department of Psychology, The Child and Childhood Association, Targu Mures, Romania, Enatescu Virgil Radu ,   Department VIII Neuroscience-Discipline of Psychiatry, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Romania, Tilinca Mariana Cornelia ,   Department of Internal Medicine, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, Romania, Strete Elena Gabriela ,   Department of Psychiatry, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, Romania
Published: December 2024

Background. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition that requires continuous self-care behaviors to manage blood glucose levels and prevent complications. However, adherence to these behaviors can be psychologically challenging, and a person's cognitive, emotional, and social factors can significantly influence treatment success. Aim. Our study aimed to present the psychosocial implications in the context of living with the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. Methods. The study was carried out by applying a specific questionnaire, made with the help of Google Forms, which included 33 semi-open and open questions. The inclusion criteria consisted in the presence of type 1 diabetes, the study being aimed at adolescents. Results. Among the 203 participants in the study, there is a predominance of the female gender (n=156, 76.8%) over the male gender (n=47, 23.2%), in a ratio of 3.31:1. Most of the participants who completed the questionnaire (n=106, 52.2%) claim that they easily accepted the diagnosis, while a small number of people (n=19, 9.4%) still did not accept diabetes as part of their lives. However, more than half (n=103, 57.1%) considered adapting to the new lifestyle to be difficult, but nevertheless achieved good results (eg, adequate glycemic control). The statistical analysis carried out based on the questions in the questionnaire, showed significant correlations (p<0.05) in many situations that link the diagnosis of patients with type 1 diabetes and their feelings of anger, revolt, guilt and worry, there being a p=0.009, respectively p=0.039. Conclusions. Study participants are predominantly female, with the majority of participants having type 1 diabetes as the only condition they are dealing with, suggesting that most subjects are only affected by this chronic disease. Future perspective is important for the control of type 1 diabetes, indicating that emotional factors may play an important role in managing the disease.