763-P: Parent–Child Mealtime Behavior and Glycemic Control in T1D Preschoolers

Abstract

Parents of T1D preschoolers must balance nutrition, insulin needs, and eating behaviors of this age group. The present study examined the relationship between parent feeding practices, child mealtime behavior, and glycemic control in T1D preschoolers. 36 parent-child dyads (2-5 y, T1D≥1 y) were part of a baseline assessment for a RCT (M child age=4.7 y; M A1c=8.3; M parent age=36.3 y). Parent feeding practices and child mealtime behaviors were measured using the Structure and Control in Parent Feeding Questionnaire (SCPF Table 1) and the Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS Table 1). Glycemic control measured with CGM. Descriptive statistics for glycemic control, parent and child behaviors are in Table 1. Greater frequency of problematic child behavior at mealtime was associated with greater reports of control-based feeding practices (restriction and pressure to eat; r=.44, p<.01) and greater problematic feeding practices as a whole (r=.37, p<.05). There was a trend towards an association (p<.1) between limiting food exposure, food restriction, and % TBR at breakfast. Problematic child behavior at mealtimes may be related to parents’ engagement in control-based feeding practices, which may lead to increased hypoglycemia at breakfast. Understanding behaviors that trigger more problematic feeding practices may help parents engage in more positive feeding practices, with the goal of better glycemic control. Disclosure S. Meighan: None. M. Sinisterra: None. C. Tully: None. E. Mackey: None. R. Streisand: None. Funding National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases