Home Institution

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Publication Date

Spring 2024

Program Name

Switzerland: Global Health and Development Policy

Abstract

Adolescence is a very challenging period in a person's life as it is often filled with hormonal changes, emotional turmoil, and time for development socially, emotionally, and mentally. The addition of a chronic illness on top of the transition from child to adult creates a large burden on quality of life. The most common chronic illness diagnosed in adolescence is type 1 diabetes. This is an illness with a significant medical burden as it requires close monitoring of blood glucose levels, constant insulin injections, and diet control. The combination of adolescence and a chronic illness leads to higher rates of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Furthermore, the presence of a mental health disorder leads to poorer glycemic control increasing the risk of diabetes-related complications.

This paper examines the prevalence of mental health disorders in adolescents with type 1 diabetes, the implications it has on their glycemic control, and potential solutions to help alleviate the burden of chronic illness to reduce the prevalence of mental health disorders and improve glycemic control.

Disciplines

Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition | Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism | Health Psychology | Pediatrics | Psychiatry and Psychology

Download

Share

Article Location

 
COinS