Desarrollo de un programa educativo estructurado en diabetes para pacientes pediátricos

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that requires a complex treatment and that generates changes in the patient's personal and family lifestyle. In order to understand and self-manage the disease, the patient/family needs to acquire certain knowledge, skills and healthy habits. Structured educational programs must be available to facilitate the learning process and help patients achieving these objectives. When those programs are designed for pediatric patients objectives, material and activities must be adapted to patient's age as well as the distinctive characteristics of childhood. To make sure that children are able to adequately self-manage their diabetes by the time they reach adulthood, parents/tutors' attitude and training are of fundamental importance, as well as providing progressive transfer of responsibilities to them.