GLYCAEMIC CONTROL IN PAEDIATRIC TYPE 1 DIABETES: THE INTERPLAY OF DIABETES ACCEPTANCE AND MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES
DENISA MARIN-BATIR 1#, ALINA DELIA POPA 2#, MONICA HANCIANU 3*, ANDREEA- MARIA MITRAN 3, SILVIA ROBU 1, IOANA MITA-BACIU 2, RIANA HUZUM 2, IONUT-IULIAN LUNGU 3, CORNELIA MIRCEA 3, AUREL NECHITA 1, OANA CIOANCA 3
1 Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunarea de Jos” University, 35 Al. I. Cuza Street, 800216 Galati, Romania
2 Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
3 Faculty of Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
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Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is characterised by complete insulin deficiency, placing a lifelong burden of insulin replacement therapy on patients. Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable patients who must balance physical and emotional developmental changes with strict adherence to treatment regimens. Thus, they might benefit the most from advanced diabetes management technologies (ADMT), such as Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems (CGMS) and insulin pumps. This study aimed to: (i) assess how different medical devices for managing T1D impact glycaemic control in young patients, and (ii) evaluate diabetes acceptance levels in this population group using a structured questionnaire. A total of 97 children and adolescents with T1D were recruited from Galati County. Many diabetes complications were observed, mainly diabetic neuropathy, neuropathy and nephropathy. ADMT use was associated with significant improvements in glycaemic control. Notably, diabetes acceptance scores were significantly associated with HbA1c improvement. CGMS demonstrated high efficacy regardless of patients’ knowledge and attitudes, whereas insulin pump efficacy was influenced considerably by diabetes acceptance levels. These findings highlight the importance of tailoring therapeutic interventions to the characteristics of the patient and the devices used.
