Related Experiment Videos

Multidimensional study on quality of life in children with type 1 diabetes

E Ausili1, F Tabacco, B Focarelli

  • 1Pediatric Department, Università Cattolica, Rome, Italy.

European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences
|September 20, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Health-related quality of life in children with type 1 diabetes is significantly impacted by metabolic control. Better glycemic management and younger age correlate with improved physical and psychological well-being.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
  • Quality of Life Research

Background:

  • Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic condition affecting children worldwide.
  • Assessing Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is crucial for understanding the holistic impact of T1D on young patients.
  • Metabolic control is a key factor in managing T1D, but its influence on HRQoL requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in children with type 1 diabetes.
  • To assess the relationship between metabolic control parameters and HRQoL in this pediatric population.
  • To explore parental perceptions of QoL in children with chronic diseases.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 33 children (mean age 10.3 years) with type 1 diabetes participated.
  • Health-Related Quality of Life was measured using the Child Health Questionnaire-Parental Form 50 items (CHQ-PF50).
  • Metabolic control was assessed through glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and frequency of glycemic monitoring.

Main Results:

  • Children with type 1 diabetes reported lower QoL compared to healthy peers.
  • Poorer metabolic control (higher HbA1c), older age, and fewer daily glucose monitoring instances were associated with diminished HRQoL.
  • Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels showed a significant negative correlation with HRQoL parameters.

Conclusions:

  • Metabolic assessment is a significant determinant of HRQoL in children with type 1 diabetes.
  • Improved glycemic control, increased frequency of glucose monitoring, younger age, and earlier diabetes onset positively influence physical and psychological aspects of QoL.
  • Unlike in adolescents, factors such as insulin injection frequency, daily snacks, and maternal education level did not significantly impact QoL in this pediatric sample.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations01:19

Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations

Type 1 diabetes mellitus typically presents with rapid-onset symptoms due to the body’s inability to utilize glucose in the absence of insulin. Since insulin is required for glucose uptake into cells, its deficiency leads to hyperglycemia and cellular energy deprivation, resulting in characteristic clinical features.Polyuria and PolydipsiaOne of the earliest, most prominent symptoms is polyuria (excessive urination). When blood glucose concentrations rise above the renal threshold, the kidneys...
Type I Diabetes I: Introduction01:12

Type I Diabetes I: Introduction

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin resulting from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. The loss of insulin production impairs cellular glucose uptake, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and necessitating lifelong insulin therapy.Autoimmune Destruction of β-CellsThe hallmark of type 1 diabetes is an...
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. The condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly impact their health and quality of life.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Type II Diabetes I: Introduction01:26

Type II Diabetes I: Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance, in which target tissues such as the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue respond poorly to insulin. It is also associated with inadequate compensatory insulin secretion, where pancreatic β-cells fail to produce sufficient insulin. Together, these abnormalities lead to persistent hyperglycemia.EtiologyT2DM develops through a complex interaction of genetic predisposition and environmental or...
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology01:26

Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of...
Type II Diabetes Mellitus III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis01:25

Type II Diabetes Mellitus III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis

Type 2 diabetes mellitus develops gradually and is often asymptomatic in early stages.Clinical ManifestationsWhen symptoms appear, they include fatigue, blurred vision, pruritus, delayed wound healing, and recurrent infections, particularly candidal infections. Peripheral neuropathy may present as numbness or tingling in the extremities. Classic hyperglycemia symptoms—polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia—are less common. Most patients are overweight and frequently have associated hypertension...