Managing type 1 diabetes in children and young people: challenges and solutions

Type 1 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in school-age children. Effective management and self-management at home and during school hours are essential to improve the quality of life of children and young people and reduce their risk of developing complications such as cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. There are, however, multiple barriers to effective management and self-management, notably in adolescence. Interventions, education and support based on clear psychoeducational principles improve the outcomes of children and young people. This article explores type 1 diabetes including its causes and risk factors, presentation and diagnosis, complications and comorbidities, and treatment and management. It focuses in particular on the role of nurses in supporting self-management and on the challenges of type 1 diabetes care in school.