Psychosocial Repercussions of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of type 1 diabetes (T1D) on the psychological, social, and family development of children and adolescents living with the disease. METHODS: An integrative literature review with a descriptive and quantitative approach was conducted. Searches were performed in the LILACS, MEDLINE, PubMed, and SciELO databases for studies published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese between 2013 and 2023. The descriptors used were “Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1,” “Type 1 Diabetes,” “Child,” “Adolescent,” and “Psychosocial Impact.” Articles were evaluated according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine levels of evidence. RESULTS: A total of 24 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Most research was qualitative or exploratory, with a level of evidence 2C. Children and adolescents with T1D exhibited poorer glycemic control when emotional disorders, depression, or negative disease perceptions were present, which intensified during adolescence. Issues such as weight gain, binge eating, and low self-esteem further impacted disease management. Social and economic factors also influenced outcomes: bullying, family conflict, and low income were associated with lower treatment adherence and greater complications. CONCLUSIONS: Family and school support networks and multidisciplinary care promote adherence, autonomy, and quality of life. Coping strategies, including self-care, resilience, and the use of monitoring technologies, can improve glycemic control.