Quality of life in pediatric patients suffering from Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Comparative study of the reports of young patients and their parents

Abstract

Background: For the effective management of type 1 diabetes, patients are called upon to adopt changes in lifestyle, diet, and exercise. However, it appears that living with diabetes often disrupts their quality of life. Methods: The study involved recording reports from pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes aged 5-18 years, as well as their parents, to assess the quality of life of the affected individuals. The questionnaire used was the PedsQL Diabetes Module Version 3.0, which evaluates: the symptoms of type 1 diabetes, treatment-related issues, concerns about the disease, and communication. Results: The study sample consisted of 102 patients with type 1 diabetes. The collected data revealed that living with the disease affects the quality of life. Some indicative examples of this would be how high levels of HbA1c and episodes of hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis, can complicate the lives of patients who suffer from type 1 diabetes. Additionally, the quality of life depends on various demographic factors, such as father's educational level, presence of siblings in the family, place of residence, and age of the patients. Conclusions: Although this study has some limitations, it is evident that living with type 1 diabetes complicates daily life. Therefore, it is important to design strategies to help patients and their families better manage the disease, ensuring they receive the required psychological support for optimal disease management.