A mentoring program for adolescents with diabetes.
Adequate psychosocial support is a major factor in well-managed diabetes, especially with newly-diagnosed adolescents who face many life changes. A review of the literature shows that few psychosocial support systems exist for adolescents with diabetes. Few psychosocial interventions have been tested and shown to be effective in improving the diabetes-related behavior of adolescents. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the emotional and developmental needs of adolescents who are newly diagnosed with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and to propose a mentoring program that pairs a qualified, supportive young adult who is knowledgeable about diabetes with a newly diagnosed teenager with a similar socioeconomic background. The trained mentor will provide support to the adolescent regarding diabetes-related issues as well as other issues related to adolescence.
Blake
J E
JE
University of Kentucky, Metabolic Research Group, Lexington, USA.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D000328:Adult; D019090:Case Management; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008611:Mentors; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012944:Social Support