Early Markers of Glycaemic Control in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
2011

Factors Affecting Glycemic Control in Children with Type 1 Diabetes

Sample size: 229 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Cutfield Samuel W., Derraik José G. B., Reed Peter W., Hofman Paul L., Jefferies Craig, Cutfield Wayne S.

Primary Institution: Liggins Institute, University of Auckland

Hypothesis

Identifying factors present at diagnosis and 6 months later that are associated with HbA1c levels at 24 months after T1DM diagnosis.

Conclusion

Deterioration in glycaemic control shortly after diagnosis in diabetic children is particularly marked in Pacific Island children and in those not living with both biological parents.

Supporting Evidence

  • Factors at diagnosis associated with higher HbA1c levels included female sex, lower SES, non-European ethnicity, and younger age.
  • At 24 months, higher HbA1c was associated with lower SES, Pacific Island ethnicity, and not living with both biological parents.
  • A regression equation was developed to predict HbA1c at 24 months based on demographic and clinical factors.

Takeaway

This study looked at kids with diabetes and found that some kids, especially those from certain backgrounds, have a harder time keeping their blood sugar levels normal after they are diagnosed.

Methodology

A longitudinal study analyzing demographic and clinical data from children diagnosed with T1DM.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in self-reported data and exclusion of certain groups may affect results.

Limitations

The study may not be generalizable beyond the Auckland region and relies on self-reported ethnicity.

Participant Demographics

Children <15 years of age diagnosed with T1DM, primarily European and Pacific Islander ethnicities.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001 for lower SES and Pacific Island ethnicity association with higher HbA1c.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025251

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