Compliance of young diabetics with health regimens

The compliance of young patients with diabetes regimens is explored by means of a questionnaire filled in by both the patients and their nurses and compared with the patients' glycosylated haemoglobin (HBA1) levels. The structured questionnaire was completed by 47 diabetics aged between 15 and 17 years. The adolescents had very similar views to the specialist nurse on their compliance with health regimens, and these assessments were also in line with the HBA1 values. One-third of the young patients showed a high degree of compliance with diabetes regimens, while just under a half showed average compliance; the remainder failed to comply adequately. Compliance was highest in the case of insulin treatment, self-care and co-operation with the nursing staff, and poorest in following dietary and home monitoring instructions.