Adolescents with type 1 diabetes: family functioning and metabolic control

Families play central roles in the care of their adolescents with chronic illnesses. This study examined the relationship between family functioning and metabolic control in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes. The McMaster Family Assessment Device (FAD) measured family functioning; the Youth Self-Report Form (YSR) measured adolescent behavior. Older adolescents reported increased family dysfunction. Adolescents who reported family dysfunction on affective responsiveness had HbA(1c) levels greater than 9. Older adolescents, males, and adolescents who reported a greater number of behavior problems were significantly more likely to have HbA(1c) levels greater than 9. Considered together, older age and greater attention problems were most significantly associated with higher HbA(1c) levels. These findings suggest the importance of the relationship between the adolescent's perception of family functioning and metabolic control in the adolescents with Type 1 diabetes.