The effect of group therapy on diabetes specific knowledge

Type 1 Diabetes is a chronic illness that must be managed 24 hours a day with insulin administration and frequent blood glucose testing to maintain control. Because children spend a significant amount of their day at school, children with Type 1 Diabetes need additional support within the school setting. However, there are few studies investigating the school setting for support for children with Type 1 Diabetes. The current school-based study evaluated the effectiveness of a psychoeducational group therapy intervention on Diabetes Specific Knowledge. One child with Type 1 Diabetes and four peers without diabetes participated in the group therapy treatment. Diabetes Specific Knowledge was assessed three times over a six week period using the Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire- 24. The results showed an overall slight increase in Diabetes Specific Knowledge.