DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/0QTN-NT54
Defense Date
2012
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Clarissa Holmes
Abstract
Better disease care behaviors in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are strongly related to better metabolic control (HbA1c). However, HbA1c results are only available, on average, every three months, and may not accurately capture intricacies of blood glucose fluctuations. Youth then must rely on blood glucose levels obtained throughout the day to determine which disease care behaviors to perform to maintain optimal metabolic control. Youth may have difficulty performing these disease care behaviors properly or consistently, which makes parental monitoring a crucial aspect of the diabetes regimen. Additionally, youth who experience frequent or severe hypoglycemia may develop a fear of hypoglycemia, which may impact their disease care behaviors and blood glucose levels directly. Average blood glucose levels strongly related to HbA1c which verifies HbA1c as a good indicator of average blood glucose levels. The Average Daily Risk Range (ADRR) index had a stronger relation to HbA1c than Mean Amplitude of Glycemic Excursions (MAGE) index; however, the percentage of blood glucose levels below, within, and above range may be the best indicator of glycemic variability, as it is more easily calculated and understood. More parental monitoring related to more diabetes prevention behaviors but not intervention behaviors or less glycemic variability.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
April 2012