Coping

Being that diabetes is a chronic disease �the person has to cope with the disease for the rest of his or her life� (Richardson, Adner & Nordstrom, 2001, p. 759). Many diabetics find it hard to cope with the multiple daily injections, strict exercise and dietary regime.

In one study, it was identified that high degrees of acceptance of IDDM also meant high coping capabilities. In addition to this, it was found that higher educational levels increase the chances of chronically ill persons having access to education and health care providers. Similarly, education level affects self-esteem.

Chronic illness that requires daily routines or adherence to a daily regime may be detrimental to ones perception of oneself. Adherence to a daily regime may leave individuals feeling tied down or burdened. Diabetes may not become apart of the people lives but rather the individuals involved become trapped by diabetes. Similarly, chronically ill children and teens with chronic illness suffer from lowered self-esteem, poor body image, and have increase problems with well-being, behavior and adjusting socially than those without chronic conditions (Huurre & Aro, 2002).

Huurre, T.M, & Aro, H.M., (2002). Long-term psychosocial effects of persistent chronic illness: a follow-up study of Finnish adolescents ages 16-32 years. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 11 (2), 85-91.

Richardson, A., Adner, N., Nordstrom, G., ( 2001). Persons with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: acceptance and coping ability. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 33 (6), 758-763

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