The effect of diabetes on adolescents' quality of life

This pilot study assessed the impact of diabetes on overall quality of life (QOL) of 23 adolescents (12-16 years old). The impact of diabetes on daily life, satisfaction with life, and common worries and frustrations were explored through the Diabetes Quality of Life for Youth scale (DQOLY) and semistructured interviews. The four major themes that emerged from the interviews were (a) restrictions, (b) differentness, (c) negative emotion, and (d) adaptation. Adolescents reported being most bothered by dietary restrictions, including the regimentation/scheduling of eating and its social ramifications. Adolescents in this study worried the most about the future and, in particular, complications. Older adolescents worried less, had lower Diabetes Impact scores, and had better Quality of Life scores on the DQOLY. The theme of adaptation and the negative emotion theme were both expressed most often by participants who had had diabetes for a longer period of time.