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Family-Based Interventions Targeting Improvements in Health and Family Outcomes of Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: a Systematic Review

  • Therapies and New Technologies in the Treatment of Diabetes (M Pietropaolo, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

A systematic review was conducted of family-based interventions to improve glycemic control, adherence, and psychosocial outcomes in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published since the seminal Diabetes Control and Compliance Trial (DCCT). Interventions are summarized and findings reviewed to help guide clinical practice and future research.

Recent Findings

Twenty-five RCTs are reviewed. The majority of studies (n = 15) focused on interventions targeting both children and adolescents and their caregivers and were delivered in diabetes clinics, outpatient settings, mental health clinics, or participants’ homes.

Summary

Family-based interventions for youth with T1D appear effective at improving diabetes and family-centered outcomes. Additional research is needed to examine the pathways to improvement in glycemic control, as outcomes were mixed. Future research should also involve measures beyond HbA1c given new markers for sustained health improvement and outcomes are being explored.

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Correspondence to Marissa A. Feldman.

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Marissa A. Feldman, Lindsay M. Anderson, Jenna B. Shapiro, Aneta M. Jedraszko, Meredyth Evans, Lindsey E.G. Weil, Kimberly P. Garza, and Jill Weissberg-Benchell declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Feldman, M.A., Anderson, L.M., Shapiro, J.B. et al. Family-Based Interventions Targeting Improvements in Health and Family Outcomes of Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: a Systematic Review. Curr Diab Rep 18, 15 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-018-0981-9

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