Applications of Cognitive and Social Development Theory in Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes Case Management

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) can occur at any age but is most commonly diagnosed between infancy and late 30s. The SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth study estimated that in 2009 about 18,436 US. Youth were newly diagnosed with T1D. Approximately 70% of these youths were non-Hispanic Whites, 17% were Hispanics, and 11% were non-Hispanic Blacks [1]. T1D is associated with an increased risk for several health problems including cardiovascular diseases [2-4], epilepsy [5], retinopathy [6], and thyroid autoimmunity [7,8]. Studies in Norway found that despite improved diabetes care, mortality remains three to four times higher among those with childhood-onset diabetes compared with the general population [9]. When looking at case management as a whole in regard to diabetes, many problems can be seen with the current management plans and limitations can be seen in the methods used to educate diabetics on their condition. When looking at future paths to take to improve diabetes case management a few can be proposed including evidence-based case management, case management methods that address low health literacy and numeracy and using various phycological behavior theories to see how this adolescent population can be best addressed.

Assessing the Economic Burden of Disease in Migrants: The Diabetes Case in Northern Italy

By considering the prevalence of diabetes in migrants living in northern Italy, this editorial aims to highlight the need for the measurement of the economic burden of disease in migrant and refugee populations. This type of assessment is potentially useful to address the emerging challenges of the migrant health burden, by enhancing the ability of health systems and policies to respond to migrants’ health needs—in terms of health care and promotion—leading to significant better conditions for future multicultural environments.