Adolescents living with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) often assume increasing responsibility for daily disease management, yet adherence challenges may complicate glycemic control. A narrative review published in Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome examined the self-care needs and barriers affecting adolescents with T1DM.

The review evaluated studies published between 2013 and 2024 that addressed self-care needs and glycemic control issues in adolescents with T1DM. Searches of PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science identified 7,973 articles. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 studies were included for analysis. Extracted findings were grouped into two domains: self-care needs and self-care barriers.

Key self-care needs included dietary management, physical activity and exercise, recognition of blood glucose emergencies and appropriate responses, knowledge of insulin therapy, family support, development of independence from parents, peer support, disease-related education, support from healthcare professionals, and attention to spiritual needs. Reported barriers included concealing the disease from friends, inadequate education, fear of needles, treatment costs, limited resources, school-related challenges, denial of the disease, and parent-adolescent conflict.

The review highlights multiple areas in which self-care support may require strengthening in adolescents with T1DM, while identifying barriers that may limit effective diabetes management.