Summary and implications for clinical practice and research in pediatric populations

Abstract

In Parts I-V of this book are 15 chapters discussing the various levels of the social-ecological model as they related to diabetes management in pediatric populations. One recurring theme that appears in many of the chapters is the fact that the majority of youth with diabetes do not meet goals for optimal glycemic control, in spite of therapeutic and technological advances in treatment in recent years. Moreover, this disparity illuminates the limitations of relying on sophisticated technology alone to optimize diabetes clinical outcomes. When we consider the complexity of diabetes treatment and embrace the social-ecological nature of a lifestyle disease, it is not truly a surprise that advances such as newer insulin analogues, continuous glucose monitors, and insulin pumps have not resulted in optimal glycemic control.