Developmental mastery of diabetes-related tasks in children.

The goal of managing diabetes in childhood is to assist the child in becoming a physically healthy and emotionally mature adult, free from complications associated with diabetes. Gradual achievement of self-care independence occurs as developmental changes evolve during childhood. Inappropriate expectations related to self-care competence may lead to impaired diabetes control. It is important to have an understanding of child development and cognitive development in order ensure adequate expectations of self-care skill acquisition and the appropriate transition of self-care skills. Numerous steps can be taken to assist the child with diabetes in attaining developmentally appropriate, self-management skills.