Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the elements and results of peer-group support and problem-solving training in the treatment of adolescents with type 1 diabetes and their parents. The hypothesis was that the intervention would improve HbA 1c and enable the adolescents to take responsibility in managing their diabetes. Method: A total of 60 adolescents with type 1 diabetes, aged 13-18 years, and their parents, were invited to participate in this study. They were recruited from outpatient clinics in two centres in Norway, and 19 adolescents agreed to participate. Both adolescents and parents completed self-report questionnaires pre-treatment, during treatment, post-treatment and at one year follow up. In addition HbA 1c values were obtained five times from the adolescents' medical records over the same time period. Results:The results indicated that peer-group support and problem-solving training is a suitable intervention in the treatment of adolescents with type 1 diabetes. In terms of metabolic control there was a significant decrease in HbA 1c in girls (p=0.039). Conclusion:The intervention was peer-oriented and psycho-educative, and encouraged collaboration between the paediatric diabetes clinic and the psychiatric department in the treatment for adolescents with diabetes and their parents. This collaboration was of great importance for the quality of the study and added valuable knowledge and experience to the diabetes multidisciplinary team.Eur Diabetes Nursing 2007; 4(1): 28-33.

Background: Increased adolescent-parent engagement in diabetes-related tasks appears to decrease diabetes-related family conflict. Group intervention may be a good approach when caring for adolescents with chronic conditions, including diabetes. Aim: This article aims to describe how group intervention may be useful in the treatment of adolescents with type 1 diabetes. When these children enter puberty and become adolescents, it can become difficult. In many cases, family-related conflict has a negative impact on an adolescent's blood sugar levels and self-care behaviour. Method: 19 adolescents (age 13-17 years) and their parents participated in group intervention. Families were recruited from outpatient clinics in two centres in MiddleNorway. Separate groups met once a month for 1 year. All adolescents and parents completed a battery of self-report measures. In addition, HbA 1c values were obtained five times from the adolescents' medical records. Results: In terms of metabolic control there was a significant decrease in HbA 1c values in the girls studied. In adolescents of both sexes, the process of deterioration was stopped. Conclusion: The development of efficient interventions for this group of patients is highly needed. Our intervention was peer-oriented and psycho-educative. Although the sample size in this study was small, one may still consider that group intervention may improve parent-adolescent relationships. Results from the study also demonstrate that group intervention may improve metabolic control in girls, without deterioration in health-related quality-of-life.