[Psychopathology and child and adolescent type 1 diabetes mellitus outcome]

To determine relations between psychopathology and metabolic control of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents.

We evaluate socio-demographic and clinical variables, as well as psychopathology in 71 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus with an illness evolution period longer than 1 year. We try to establish significant relations between such aspects and metabolic control of diabetes measured through glycosylated hemoglobin A.

We find statistical significant correlations between a poor metabolic control (high levels of HbA1c) and depressive symptoms, a high level of state-anxiety or a previous psychiatric diagnosis. In a similar way, poor metabolic control is related to higher levels of personal, social, school maladjustment or family environment dissatisfaction. Such correlations remains significant for the metabolic control of diabetes together with the evolution period of the illness and the dietetic treatment adherence.

The existence of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor in order to determine a poor metabolic control of the illness.