A new Chinese study highlights the role of family support for emotional wellbeing and diabetes management in children
Living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) can be incredibly difficult for children and their families. Daily management of T1D involves frequent glucose checks, insulin dosing, food planning, and much more. No two days are the same with T1D, with at least 42 different factors influencing glucose levels. This relentless experience can create stress and anxiety at home.
A new study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics explored the connection between family relationships and the mental health and quality of life of children with T1D. The study, conducted in China, involved 150 children aged 7–16 years. Half had T1D and half did not. Each child and their parents completed questionnaires about family life, anxiety, depression and overall wellbeing.
The study found that compared to children without diabetes, children with T1D reported:
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- less support and open communication at home
- greater independence and control
- greater symptoms of anxiety and depression
- lower overall quality of life
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The study also found that children with T1D who experienced open and supportive family communicated were:
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- more likely to have glucose levels that were in target range
- less likely to have emotional difficulties.
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In contrast, children living in families with more conflict tended to experience higher stress and worse emotional wellbeing.
It’s important to remember this research is correlational. That means it can show that two things are linked or tend to occur together, but it can’t show that one directly causes the other. Even so, the findings highlight how diabetes management, emotional wellbeing, and family dynamics can impact one another.
The study suggests that improving family communication and reducing conflict could help children manage diabetes more effectively. Programs that teach families about emotional expression, shared problem-solving, and diabetes education may benefit both parents and children.
Supportive families help children cope better and feel more confident living with diabetes.
Reference:
Liu J, Li J, Li L, Zeng K. Impact of family environment on mental disorders and quality of life in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study and intervention policy analysis. Frontiers in Pediatrics. 2025 Mar 3;13:1516411.
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