Type 1 diabetes mellitus: evidence from the literature for appropriate management in children's perspective

The objective of this study was to identify the evidence available in the literature that address, for children's perspective, factors that are relevant for an appropriate management of type 1 diabetes mellitus. An integrative review was performed on the PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS, CUIDEN and PsycINFO databases, covering the period from 1998 to 2008 and using the following keywords: type 1 diabetes mellitus, child, prevention and control, triggering factors, emergencies, self care, learning and health education. Nineteen of the surveyed articles were selected, and their analysis revealed the following categories: living with diabetes; self care and glucose profile; the actions of family, friends and health professionals; and school. The evidence show that children appreciate the support they receive from their relatives, which have a direct relationship with being prepared for self care. Other members apart from their network are also valued. Areas that deserve attention are the school, the personal experience of each child, and health education.