Objective The purpose of this research study was to investigate if perceived parental support and different parenting styles affected adherence to diabetic health management, metabolic control and perceived quality of life for adolescents diagnosed with Type 1 insulin dependent diabetes.

Methods This cross-sectional quantitative study was carried out in a natural setting. One hundred and two adolescents, between 12 and 18 years of age, diagnosed with insulin dependent diabetes for at least one year, and attending a pediatric endocrinology clinic participated. This study investigated the relationships between the adolescent’s perceived level of parental support and adherence, metabolic control and quality of life as well as differences between parenting style groups on adherence, metabolic control and quality of life. Parents were classified into one of four groups (authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, or neglectful) based on their adolescents’ perceptions of them along two dimensions: responsiveness and demandingness.

Results Perceived parental support was significantly correlated with adherence. Adolescents who perceived their parents to have authoritative parenting styles did have better adherence to their prescribed treatment plan compared to adolescents who perceived their parents to have authoritarian, permissive or neglectful parenting styles. Additionally, adolescents who perceived their parents to have authoritative parenting styles had better perceived quality of life than did adolescents who perceived their parents to have authoritarian or permissive parenting styles.

Conclusions These findings have implications for health care workers trying to assist adolescents and their families in the management of their diabetic health care.