Using computerized text analysis to assess communication within an Italian type 1 diabetes Facebook group.

The purpose of this study was to assess messages posted by mothers of children with type 1 diabetes in the Italian Facebook group “Mamme e diabete” using computerized text analysis. The data suggest that these mothers use online discussion boards as a place to seek and provide information to better manage the disease’s daily demands—especially those tasks linked to insulin correction and administration, control of food intake, and bureaucratic duties, as well as to seek and give encouragement and to share experiences regarding diabetes and related impact on their life. The implications of these findings for the management of diabetes are discussed

Nonverbal intelligence and scholastic performance in children with type 1 diabetes

This study examined nonverbal intelligence and scholastic achievement in children with type 1 diabetes. In a retrospective case-control study, 69 children (35 males) ages 5-10 years with type 1 diabetes and 69 healthy controls matched to patients by age, gender and socioeconomic status were compared according to their performance on Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices and their scholastic grades. No differences in nonverbal intelligence and grades were observed between children with type 1 diabetes and healthy control subjects. Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices scores inversely correlated with duration of illness both in children with early onset of type 1 diabetes and poor metabolic control. Possible explanations of the results and implications are discussed

Parental assessment of disordered eating behaviors in their children with type 1 diabetes: A controlled study

Objective: The purpose of this research is to examine the presence of disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) in youths with type 1 diabetes (T1D) according to their parents' evaluations. The roles of demographic and diabetes-related variables were also analyzed. Methods: In 54 patients with T1D (aged 10.07–15.08) and in 54 age- and gender-matched healthy controls, DEBs were assessed using a parent-report standardized measure. BMI was calculated from height and weight. Glycemic control was assessed based on the most recent glycosylated hemoglobin value (HbA1c). The association of demographic and clinical factors with DEBs was evaluated through correlation and linear regression analyses. Results: DEBs were observed more frequently in participants with T1D (33.3%) than in controls (11%) (χ 2 = 6.501, p =.04). The clinical sample obtained a higher score than controls in PEBEQ total score (t(106) = 2.464, p =.01), as well as in the Exaggerated interest in food (t(106) = 2.723, p =.008) and Rejection/disinterest in food subscales (t(106) = 2.216, p =.01). No gender differences were observed. In participants with T1D, but not in controls, PEBEQ total score was positively correlated with age (r = 0.203, p =.04), HbA1c (r = 0.335, p =.01), and zBMI (r = 0.298, p =.002); HbA1c (standardized beta =0.284, p =.04) was found to uniquely predict the PEBEQ total score. Conclusion: Parents' evaluations may contribute to prompt detection of DEBs, which is crucial in developing appropriate strategies for timely intervention, especially during adolescence

Disordered Eating Behaviors Among Italian Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: Exploring Relationships with Parents' Eating Disorder Symptoms, Externalizing and Internalizing Behaviors, and Body Image Problems

The purpose of this study is to examine associations of disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) with body image problems, parents' eating disorder symptoms, and emotional and behavioral problems among adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). 200 adolescents (M age = 15.24 +/- 1.45 years) with T1D completed a self-report measure of DEBs and body ideal internalization, and their parents completed self-report measures of parents' eating problems and child's psychological symptoms. Seventy-three (36.5%) adolescents were DEPS-r-positive (scores >= 20), with higher rates among girls (chi(2) = 9.034, p = .003). Adolescents with T1D and DEBs reported lower SES, worse metabolic control, higher zBMI (p < .001), more eating disorder symptoms, more body image problems, and more emotional and behavioral problems than adolescents with T1D but no DEBs (all p < .05). Parents of adolescents with DEBs showed higher levels of bulimia (p = .028) than parents of adolescents without DEBs. In both genders, pressure to conform to societal norms about body image (p < .01) and externalization symptoms (p < .05) emerged as significant predictors of DEBs. Findings suggest that adolescents with T1D and DEBs showed an alarming psychological condition, with higher level of body image and more emotional and behavioral problems

\u201cCoVidentary\u201d: An online exercise training program to reduce sedentary behaviours in children with type 1 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic

Aim: We explored the physical activity (PA) level and the variation in glycaemic control in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) before and during the lockdown. Then, we proposed an online training program supported by sport-science specialists. Methods: Parents of children with T1D (<18 years) filled out an online survey. Anthropometric characteristics, PA, play, sport and sedentary time and the medical related outcomes were recorded. An adapted online program \u201cCovidentary\u201d was proposed through full-training (FT) and active breaks (AB) modality. Results: 280 youth (11.8 \ub1 3.3 years) were included in the analysis. We reported a decline in sport (-2.1 \ub1 2.1 h/week) and outdoor-plays (-73.9 \ub1 93.6 min/day). Moreover, we found an increase in sedentary time (+144.7 \ub1 147.8 min/day), in mean glycaemic values (+25.4 \ub1 33.4 mg/dL) and insulin delivery (71.8% of patients). 37% of invited patients attended the training program, 46% took part in AB and 54% in FT. The AB was carried out for 90% of the total duration, while the FT for 31%. Both types of training were perceived as moderate intensity effort. Conclusion: A decline of participation in sport activities and a subsequent increase of sedentary time influence the management of T1D of children, increasing the risk of acute/long-term complications. Online exercise program may contrast the pandemic\u2019s sedentary lifestyle

Doctor-Patient Relationship in Synchronous/Real-time Video-Consultations and In-Person Visits: An Investigation of the Perceptions of Young People with Type 1 Diabetes and Their Parents During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background Given that the widely acknowledged influence of the doctor-patient relationship on objective health parameters and treatment adherence in chronic illnesses, this study sought to explore how patients perceived the patient-doctor relationship across virtual and in-person contexts. Methods Parents' and patients' perceptions of doctor-patient relationship were evaluated in 610 children and adolescents (12.17 +/- 4.19 years, 50.9% girls) with type 1 diabetes who visited via video-conferencing or in person during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results No differences were found between video consultations and in-person visits in terms of care satisfaction (p &gt; .05), doctor-patient relationship-for the dimensions agreement on tasks (p = .506) and bond (p = .828)-as perceived by parents and physician empathy as perceived by patients (p = .096). Parents rated patient-doctor agreement on explicit goals of treatment higher in video consultation than in person (p = .009, d = .211). Agreement on goals (beta = - .180, p = .016) and bond with doctor (beta = - .160, p = .034) were negatively and significantly associated with HbA1c values, but only in participants who visited in person. Conclusions Parents' care satisfaction and perceptions of doctor-patient relationship, along with patients' perceptions of physician empathy, did not substantially differ between visits carried out in person or via video consultations. Given the high risk of psychological problems described in young people with diabetes, video consultation can be considered a useful opportunity to maintain access to a healthcare provider in a challenging time, such as the COVID-19 pandemic