Lifestyles and health behaviours of young adults with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

AbstractAdherence to diabetes management and the quality of life of young adults with type 1 diabetes can be affected by the several changes occurring during emerging adulthood: social, occupational, familiar and emotional. This study evaluates the lifestyles, health behaviours, treatment adherence and social support of young adults with type 1 diabetes. A total of 278 young adults, aged 18–35, participated in the study, in which they were required to complete a questionnaire consisting of 63 questions. This was a quantitative research with descriptive and correlational analysis. The participants reported satisfaction with life as 6.6 ±1.7 (scale 0–10). They reported healthy eating habits and one third of them undertake recommended physical activity. Adherence to insulin therapy and glucose monitoring was satisfactory, however, the mean value for HbA1c was 8.7% ±1.6, with the highest HbA1c levels being related to less glucose monitoring and insulin administration. The best representations about diabetes w...