Risky behaviours in teens with type 1 diabetes: New ideas for research regarding a not too studied topic

Abstract

Risk is the potential of gaining or losing something of value. Values (such as physical health, social status, emotional well-being or financial wealth) can be gained or lost when taking risk resulting from a given action or inaction. Risk can also be defined as the intentional interaction with uncertainty. When talking about health, especially during adolescence, the expression risky behaviour can be defined as the participation in activities that may compromise the physical and mental health of adolescents. Many of these behaviours can be started simply by the explorative character of youths or by the influence of the youths’ environment (peers, family); moreover, if risky behaviour is not identified early, it can lead to the consolidation of these attitudes with significant individual, family and social consequences.