Motivational interviewing to improve blood-glucose control in childhood diabetes

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a relatively new approach to counselling which has been developed largely in the addiction field. The method is patient-centred and helps resolve ambivalence about behaviour change whilst avoiding conflict and advice-giving by the clinician. This approach has qualities which seem particularly appropriate when dealing with teenagers. Recent evidence from clinical trials shows that motivational interviewing may be effective in facilitating healthier approaches to diet and exercise in young people and improved glycaemic control and quality of life in teenagers with diabetes. These findings suggest that MI has a role to play in the management of childhood chronic disease such as diabetes, but the future challenge is how to incorporate these principles into routine clinical practice given the general shortage of skilled, trained psychologists.