The present descriptive study had the goals of characterizing type 1 diabetic children, according to socio-demographic variables and identifying the difficulties related to insulin self-management and home control. 34 type 1 diabetic children were interviewed at a big hospital. Results showed that 82.4% of children were white, 61.8% were female and 54.1% were from nine to eleven years of age, 67.7% were catholic, and 64% had the illness for 3 years. 35.3% of them learned insulin management with their mothers and 32.3% follow a schedule regarding insulin self-administration. Difficulties to perform home control are related to the available resources and lack of information. Results show the need for a planned work integrated by a multiprofessional team and directed to the children whose characteristics meet the mentioned aspects, considering their interdependence and aiming at achieving a successful careb.
diabetes mellitus insulin-dependent; child; nursing
