A new study by Diabetes Australia shows that one in four young Australians with Type 1 diabetes is combating depression. More alarming was the fact that these young sufferers do not find appropriate medical services to take care of their problem.
"The transition from childhood to adulthood is of course a turbulent time for any young person," said Professor Fergus Cameron, head of diabetes services at Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital. "But for those with type one diabetes it is even more so - and for many reasons their diabetes can sometimes take a back seat."Type one diabetes is also called juvenile diabetes and affects an estimated 140,000 Australians. The disease needs to be managed with insulin injections. Initial results from The Young Adults with Diabetes Needs Analysis show that many type one diabetics aged 16 to 23 need help with depression.
The survey of more than 300 people found that 24 percent of them suffered from long-term depression.60 percent admitted that they did not get support services.
Professor Cameron said the issue was serious, "Knowing many of these adolescents are now dealing with depression and feel alienated within the general hospital system is an added concern," he added.
