The role of autonomy-supportive parenting in the competence, adherence and glycemic control of adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Purpose: To examine the relationships between autonomy support provided to adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes by their parents, and adolescents' competence, adherence to treatment, and glycemic control indicators. Method: Thirty-seven adolescents, along with one of their parents, completed a set of questionnaires on the level of autonomy support provided by their parents. Adolescents' self-treatment competence and their level of adherence to treatment were also measured. A recent blood test assessing the adolescents' 3-month average glycemic level (HbA1c) was retrieved from their medical records as a glycemic control indicator. Results: Structural Equation Modeling suggested that parental autonomy support as reported by parents and adolescents was associated with higher adolescent self-treatment competence and higher adherence to treatment. These in turn were associated with better glycemic control. Conclusion: Parental autonomy support is crucial and may contribute to the competence, adherence, and physical wellbeing of adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes. Parents should be instructed on ways to better support autonomy but still be involved in their child's life.