Quality of life of patients with type 1 diabetes – a systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21164/pomjlifesci.1191Keywords:
diabetes, health functioning, quality of life, psychosocial functioningAbstract
Introduction: This systematic review focuses on the analysis of reports addressing the health and psychosocial functioning of young adults (aged 18–35 years) with type 1 diabetes.
The aim of this review is to systematise our knowledge, based on published literature reports, about the health and psychosocial functioning of young adults with type 1 diabetes, taking into account a range of external and internal factors.
Materials and methods: The study was conducted using a systematic literature review based on predefined inclusion criteria: publication date within the last 5 years, full-text version available, keywords of the article relevant to the research area, study group of young adults (18–35 years). Twenty-three studies were included in the analysis for further analysis. Three main areas of influence of diabetes on the functioning of young adults with type 1 diabetes were identified: psychosocial functioning, health functioning, and adaptation to chronic disease.
Results: The analysis of the literature shows that adaptation to the disease, and in particular effective self-monitoring of blood glucose and self-management of diabetes treatment, plays a significant role in reducing the frequency of depressive and anxiety episodes, as well as hypoglycaemic episodes. Using new and innovative methods of blood glucose monitoring and learning psychological flexibility skills by people with diabetes makes it easier for them to achieve their blood glucose targets and improves the therapeutic process. The literature places particular value on developing healthy attitudes regarding self-monitoring of glycemic status by patients, which significantly contributes to their mental and physical functioning.
Conclusions: Looking to the future, it is worth considering new educational and therapeutic options to support the self-medication and self-management processes of for patients in young adulthood with their distinct health and social needs.
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