Prevalence of skin problems caused by insulin pump therapy and associated factors in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus: A large cross-sectional survey in China

Abstract

AimsTo document the prevalence of skin problems associated with insulin pump use and identify contributing factors among children with type 1 diabetes mellitus in China. MethodsIn total, 461 children were recruited from an online community (i.e., a Wechat group) of pediatric patients with T1DM. A self-developed questionnaire was filled in by parents, collecting the information on social demographics, disease, and insulin pump therapy related characteristics and skin problems. We applied the Mann–Whitney U test, Chi square test and logistic regression analysis to identify the factors associated with skin problems. ResultsOf the 461 responders, 308 (66.8 %) children were reported to have skin problems. More specifically, 38.8 % had pigmentation changes, 22.3 % allergy/dermatitis, 20.2 % scaring, 11.5 % pain, 10.8 % infection, 10.6 % subcutaneous lipohypertrophy, and 6.1 % lipoatrophy. Logistic regression analysis showed that independent associated factors of skin problems were the caregiver’s educational level as college or above, patient having skin allergies, and using the Brand 2 insulin pump (p values < 0.05). ConclusionsThe present study documents the prevalence of skin problems and identifies associated factors, such as caregiver’s education, patients skin allergies, and using a specific brand of pump. Health education should address these factors in addition to the traditionally emphasized factors.