A Case of an Adolescent With Type 1 Diabetes Returning to School Through Psychosocial Intervention Following the Introduction of an Insulin Pump

Abstract

Adolescents tend to suffer from psychological problems, and patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) it can find it difficult to accept their disease. We herein report a patient with T1DM who resolved her psychosocial problems through the introduction of an insulin pump. The patient developed T1DM at 13 years old. She suffered from psychosocial problems, such as absence from elementary school due to bullying and a lack of sufficient care from her parents. She had many younger brothers and sisters and worried about causing accidental needle injuries. Consequently, she voluntarily started insulin pump therapy. We enacted psychosocial and behavioral medicine interventions, such as an empowerment-based approach and cognitive behavioral therapy, at the introduction of the insulin pump. As a result, she was able to develop self-efficacy through overcoming the various difficulties she encountered when using the insulin pump and gained a positive outlook and confidence through her treatment. In addition, her trust in others enabled her to work on her psychosocial problems, and she was able to return to school.