Abstract
The number of individuals living with diabetes is on the rise throughout the world. Specifically, Type 1 diabetes has become increasingly more widespread and is now the most common childhood disease (CDC, 2006). The World Health Organization counted _171 million individuals with diabetes worldwide in 2006. By 2030, that number is expected to double (JDRF, 2008).
The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (1993) have concluded that maintaining optimal glycemic control reduces secondary health commonly associated with diabetes by 40%. Increasing autonomy support in the medical specialty camp setting may be an effective method of improving glycemic control (Hill, 2007). Grounded in self-determination theory (SDT), autonomy support has shown to increase individual's feelings of competence, which in turn leads to better glycemic control (Ryan & Deci, 1998). The theory also explains human motivation and the amount of which actions internally vs. externally is regulated (Ryan & Deci).
While the limited sample size did not allow for generalizations, the results of this study suggest that individuals attending a medical specialty camp may experience increased perceptions of autonomy support and a greater level of glycemic control. While Type 1 diabetes and medical specialty camps are a particular area of growth, further research is recommended to build to this emerging body of literature.