leading to early complications up to and including renal failure and cardiovascular disease.
There is also evidence that once diagnosed, teens have real problems complying with their medical regimen. In this regard, Timms and Lowes (1999) report that:
Many physical, psychological, social and cognitive changes take place in adolescence. Emerging personal values and beliefs, an acute awareness of body image and a desire for peer conformity and increasing independence can make the transition to adulthood troublesome. For teenagers with diabetes, usual adolescent needs and concerns are complicated by the demands of a complex treatment regimen. This can result in non-adherence to the recommended programme of care and, consequen
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