Families and chronic illness research: targeting transitions and tools -- commentary on Trief et al. (2006)

Self-care behavior is the foundation of diabetes treatment, and much diabetes self-care behavior takes place within the family system. Moreover, family relationships both affect and are affected by the self-care behavior of the adult member with diabetes. Researchers need to focus on how transitions in adult development impact the self-care behavior of patients and the coping of family members. In addition, illness-specific measures of family interactions related to self-care behaviors are needed in the study of adults with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]