Are family factors universally related to metabolic outcomes in adolescents with type 1 diabetes?

in Diabetic Medicine: A Journal of the British Diabetic Association (2008), 25(4), 463-468

Aims: To assess the importance of family factors in determining metabolic outcomes in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes in 19 countries. Methods: Adolescents with Type 1 diabetes aged 11-18 years, from 21 ... [more ▼]

Aims: To assess the importance of family factors in determining metabolic outcomes in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes in 19 countries. Methods: Adolescents with Type 1 diabetes aged 11-18 years, from 21 paediatric diabetes care centres, in 19 countries, and their parents were invited to participate. Questionnaires were administered recording demographic data, details of insulin regimens, severe hypoglycaemic events and number of episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis. Adolescents completed the parental involvement scale from the Diabetes Quality of Life for Youth - Short Form (DQOLY-SF) and the Diabetes Family Responsibility Questionnaire (DFRQ). Parents completed the DFRQ and a Parental Burden of Diabetes score. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was analysed centrally on capillary blood. Results: A total of 2062 adolescents completed a questionnaire, with 2036 providing a blood sample; 1994 parents also completed a questionnaire. Family demographic factors that were associated with metabolic outcomes included: parents living together (t = 4.1; P < 0.001), paternal employment status (F = 7.2; d.f. = 3; P < 0.001), parents perceived to be over-involved in diabetes care (r = 0.11; P < 0.001) and adolescent-parent disagreement on responsibility for diabetes care practices (F = 8.46; d.f. = 2; P < 0.001). Although these factors differed between centres, they did not account for centre differences in metabolic outcomes, but were stronger predictors of metabolic control than age, gender or insulin treatment regimen. Conclusions: Family factors, particularly dynamic and communication factors such as parental over-involvement and adolescent-parent concordance on responsibility for diabetes care appear be important determinants of metabolic outcomes in adolescents with diabetes. However, family dynamic factors do not account for the substantial differences in metabolic outcomes between centres. © 2008 The Authors. [less ▲]

Clinical and laboratory features of type 1 diabetic children at the time of diagnosis

in Diabetic Medicine: A Journal of the British Diabetic Association (1992), 9

Insulin antibodies in diabetic children before treatment: A marker for islet B-cell destruction?

in Diabetic Medicine: A Journal of the British Diabetic Association (1988), 5(5), 441-443

Insulin antibodies were measured in the sera of 28 newly diagnosed diabetic children (age 8.0 ± 4.0 (±SD) years) prior to insulin therapy and after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. The levels at diagnosis and ... [more ▼]

Insulin antibodies were measured in the sera of 28 newly diagnosed diabetic children (age 8.0 ± 4.0 (±SD) years) prior to insulin therapy and after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. The levels at diagnosis and after 12 months were compared to endogenous insulin production at onset and after 12 to 14 months. Endogenous insulin production was evaluated through the measurement of 24-h urinary C-peptide excretion, fasting plasma C-peptide levels and plasma C-peptide levels after glucagon stimulation. Insulin antibodies were detected in 29% of the patients (8 out of 28). In all but one patient antibodies binding porcine and human insulin were detected. No relationship was found between the presence of antibodies binding human or porcine insulin at diagnosis and age. After 1 year 27 out of 28 patients presented insulin antibodies. No relationship was found between the presence of insulin antibodies before therapy and 1 year after therapy. Insulin antibodies prior to diagnosis showed no relationship with the urinary C-peptide excretion at diagnosis (with antibodies 67 ± 27%, without antibodies 76 ± 11%). However, after 1 year significantly lower urinary C-peptide excretions were found in patients with insulin antibodies prior to therapy (with antibodies, 17 ± 7%, without antibodies, 31 ± 5%, p < 0.02). Peak plasma C-peptide levels after 1 year were possibly lower in patients with insulin antibodies before treatment (with antibodies 0.17 ± 0.06 nmol/l, without antibodies 0.26 ± 0.04 nmol/l, p < 0.1). Fasting C-peptide levels did not differ significantly between the two groups after 1 year of therapy (with antibodies 0.11 ± 0.03 nmol/l, without antibodies 0.14 ± 0.02 nmol/l). Thus, insulin auto-antibodies may be a marker for islet B-cell destruction in Type 1 diabetes. [less ▲]

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in children

in Diabetic Medicine: A Journal of the British Diabetic Association (1987), 4(2), 103-108

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus usually presents in childhood. Since it is generally accepted that persisting metabolic derangements contribute to the development of micro- and macrovascular ... [more ▼]

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus usually presents in childhood. Since it is generally accepted that persisting metabolic derangements contribute to the development of micro- and macrovascular complications, a primary aim of the management of children with diabetes is to achieve near normalization of metabolism. In adults continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) has been used to optimize control. Despite a reluctance amongst paediatricians to use CSII in children, several studies with pumps have been performed in adolescents. The results of these studies are contradictory with respect to acceptability and achieved metabolic control. Thus, some authors report a near normalization of blood glucose concentrations, whereas others only find a temporary improvement. Patient selection seems to account for many of these differences. This suggests that methods ought to be developed to predict success or failure of CSII in a particular adolescent patient. For diabetic toddlers with their age-specific problems CSII may be a therapy of choice. So far, good acceptability and improved metabolic control are reported in this group. More studies are needed to confirm this. It is important that the diabetic clinic as well as the patient is organized to a high standard before starting CSII. Home blood glucose measurements, education, and a 24-h telephone service are essential factors for the management of diabetic children, treated conventionally or with CSII. [less ▲]