Background
It is difficult to estimate the exact number of people with diabetes in Australia, but it is likely that more than 1.1 million Australians are living with the disease (Department of Health, 2015). Focusing on young children and adolescence, research studies highlight that more than 5,700 Australian children aged 0-14 years had type 1 diabetes in 2008. In addition, among the 34 countries that are currently members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Australia had the 7th highest prevalence and the 6th incidence of type 1 diabetes in children 0-14 years (Australian Institute of Health Welfare, 2010).
This research project aims to improve the quality of life for children two to eight years old with type 1 diabetes based on their psychosocial and emotional needs. Recent research studies show that diabetes in young
children has been correlated to mental health and wellbeing problems, including depression and anxiety, which have direct effects on children’s holistic learning and development (American Diabetes Association, 2014; Beyondblue, 2009; Diabetes UK, nd). As a result, the researcher(s) in this project are keen to:
1. Explore and promote social and behavioural intervention strategies that support children with managing their psychosocial and emotional needs
2. Increase awareness and recognition of type 1 diabetes and timely detection in the community, including parents, teachers and others involved in the care of children
3. Make preschool and school a safe, nurturing and supportive environment for children with type 1 diabetes
4.Develop a clearer understanding of the impact of type 1 diabetes among Indigenous children, if a cohort sample is included.
Aim
In Australia, type 1 diabetes is a life-long autoimmune disease that usually occurs in childhood, and is considered most common as a chronic disease in comparison to cancer, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. Approximately, 2400 Australians are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes every year; this equates to 3.2% a year. More specifically around 95% of the diabetes found in children has been identified as type 1 diabetes (JDRF, 2015). Given the information presented above, it is critically important to explore diabetes type 1 in children before school entry and its impact on their psychosocial and emotional development. Equally, it’s important to investigate the supports available for parents and caregivers caring for children with diabetes. The research project will aim to address following questions:
1. How are children 2-8 years old, with type 1 diabetes, supported in the Australian context?
2. What educational programs or interventions are available for children 2-8 years old that nurture their understanding of their medical condition?
3. What is the level of support offered to parents, caregivers, and families raising a child with type 1 diabetes? What support is offered to early childhood educators in nurturing children's medical needs in a learning environment?
Methods
This research uses correlational and casual comparative methods. More specifically, a mixed-method case study approach has been used to guide this project. This approach has been used to enable the researcher to investigate the phenomenon of diabetes type 1 in children and their families, that is, to obtain and evaluate the rich information which is embedded in the participants’ experiences (Patton, 2002; Merriam & Associates, 2002). A range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies have been applied to ensure a robust approach to data gathering and analysis is undertaken as part of this research project. This approach ensures that the research team is able to gain a broad understanding of the perspectives held by all stakeholders including children, families and professionals (Denzin & Lincoln, 2005).
Results
Data are currently in the analysis stage, but preliminary data will be ready to share with conference
colleagues by December 2017.
Discussion
This research project aims to explore the journey of children 2-8 years old with Type 1 Diabetes focusing mainly on the psychosocial impact of the disease on their growth and development. The project investigates children's performance in early childhood and school settings, parents experience raising a child with a chronic disease and teachers' ability to support children with complex needs such as type 1 diabetes.

The psychosocial impact of type 1 diabetes on children 2-8 years old in Australia