Effect on Glycemic Control of an Early Intensive Dietary Structured Education Program for Newly Diagnosed Children

Abeer Alassaf1, Lobna Gharaibeh2, Sarah Ibrahim1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.

Pediatric Diabetes
|April 30, 2025
PubMed

Insights

A new dietary program improved glycemic control in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) compared to conventional education. This intervention was most effective for children over five, showing better blood sugar management in T1D patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Diseases

Background:

  • Type 1 diabetes (T1D) management requires effective educational strategies for pediatric patients.
  • Conventional diabetes education may have limitations in achieving optimal glycemic control.
  • The development of innovative educational programs is crucial for improving T1D outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effectiveness of a structured educational program (SEP) versus conventional diabetes education on glycemic control in children with T1D.
  • To identify factors influencing the outcomes of the SEP in pediatric T1D patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective medical chart review at Jordan University Hospital.
  • Comparison of glycemic control (HbA1c) between children in the SEP (June 2017-Dec 2019) and conventional education (Jan 2014-Dec 2016).
  • Assessment of various factors, including age, maternal education, and hospital admissions, on SEP outcomes.

Main Results:

  • The SEP group showed significantly lower glycated hemoglobin at 6 and 12 months post-diagnosis compared to the conventional group (P=0.001 and P=0.032, respectively).
  • The SEP demonstrated a better effect on glycemic control in patients older than 5 years.
  • Maternal educational level and prior hospital admissions for DKA/hyperglycemia were predictors of glycemic control at 12 months in the SEP group.

Conclusions:

  • The dietary SEP is associated with superior glycemic control compared to conventional diabetes education at 6 and 12 months post-diagnosis.
  • The positive impact of the SEP is more pronounced in children over 5 years old and those with higher maternal educational attainment.
  • The findings suggest that tailored educational interventions can enhance diabetes management in pediatric populations.
Abstract

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