Failure of glycated hemoglobin drop after continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion initiation may indicate patients who discontinue: a 4-year follow-up study in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Abstract Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is effective and safe in children and adults with type 1 diabetes. Notwithstanding, some patients decide to discontinue using CSII. We evaluated the discontinuation rate, and its related factors, in a large group of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes using CSII in Italy. Data on all patients with type 1 diabetes younger than 18 years were collected by 28 Pediatric Diabetologic referral Centers located throughout Italy. The primary endpoint was to measure the discontinuation rate using CSII. Among the study population (n = 6,644), 985 (14.8%) were using CSII. Sixty patients discontinued using CSII, representing the 6.1%. The discontinuation rate significantly increased (P = 0.002) with age: 0-6 years, 1/84 (1.2%), 7-11 years, 8/262 (3.1%), 12-18 years, 51/579 (8.8%). The average time to discontinuation was 1.8 ± 1.4 years. The average age of patients who discontinued using CSII was higher than in patients still on CSII (12.1 ± 3.2 vs. 10.3 ± 3.8, P = 0.0001), while their diabetes duration was significantly shorter (8.6 ± 2.7 vs. 10.2 ± 3.7, P = 0.0001). HbA1c decreased only in patients still on CSII (8.7 ± 1.3% vs. 7.8 ± 1.3%, P = 0.02), but not in patients who discontinued using CSII (8.5 ± 1.6% vs. 8.2 ± 1.3%, P = 0.213). HbA1c might be one important indicator helpful to identify patients at higher risk discontinuing using CSII.Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is effective and safe in children and adults with type 1 diabetes. Notwithstanding, some patients decide to discontinue using CSII. We evaluated the discontinuation rate, and its related factors, in a large group of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes using CSII in Italy. Data on all patients with type 1 diabetes younger than 18 years were collected by 28 Pediatric Diabetologic referral Centers located throughout Italy. The primary endpoint was to measure the discontinuation rate using CSII. Among the study population (n = 6,644), 985 (14.8%) were using CSII. Sixty patients discontinued using CSII, representing the 6.1%. The discontinuation rate significantly increased (P = 0.002) with age: 0-6 years, 1/84 (1.2%), 7-11 years, 8/262 (3.1%), 12-18 years, 51/579 (8.8%). The average time to discontinuation was 1.8 ± 1.4 years. The average age of patients who discontinued using CSII was higher than in patients still on CSII (12.1 ± 3.2 vs. 10.3 ± 3.8, P = 0.0001), while their diabetes duration was significantly shorter (8.6 ± 2.7 vs. 10.2 ± 3.7, P = 0.0001). HbA1c decreased only in patients still on CSII (8.7 ± 1.3% vs. 7.8 ± 1.3%, P = 0.02), but not in patients who discontinued using CSII (8.5 ± 1.6% vs. 8.2 ± 1.3%, P = 0.213). HbA1c might be one important indicator helpful to identify patients at higher risk discontinuing using CSII. © 2011 Springer-Verlag

Parental evaluation of a telemonitoring service for children with Type 1 Diabetes

Introduction In the past years, we developed a telemonitoring service for young patients affected by Type 1 Diabetes. That service provides data to the clinical staff and offers an important tool to the parents, that are able to oversee in real time their children. The aim of this work was to analyze the parents' perceived usefulness of the service. Methods The service was tested by the parents of 31 children enrolled in a seven-day clinical trial during a summer camp. To study the parents' perception we proposed and analyzed two questionnaires. A baseline questionnaire focused on the daily management and implications of their children's diabetes, while a post-study one measured the perceived benefits of telemonitoring. Questionnaires also included free text comment spaces. Results Analysis of the baseline questionnaires underlined the parents' suffering and fatigue: 51% of total responses showed a negative tendency and the mean value of the perceived quality of life was 64.13 in a 0-100 scale. In the post-study questionnaires about half of the parents believed in a possible improvement adopting telemonitoring. Moreover, the foreseen improvement in quality of life was significant, increasing from 64.13 to 78.39 ( p-value\u2009=\u20090.0001). The analysis of free text comments highlighted an improvement in mood, and parents' commitment was also proved by their willingness to pay for the service (median\u2009=\u2009200\u2009euro/year). Discussion A high number of parents appreciated the telemonitoring service and were confident that it could improve communication with physicians as well as the family's own peace of mind

Comparison of emotional approaches of medical doctors against COVID-19 pandemic: Eastern and Western Mediterranean countries

Background: Pandemics are states of disease that occur worldwide and sharply increase in populations. It causes life events which trigger anxiety, depression, anger, sleep deprivation, emotional distress and stress. World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a pandemic on March 11, pointing to the over 118,000 cases in over 110 countries. Many healthcare workers became ill during the pandemic and some among them died. In this study, we aimed to evaluate and compare level of stress against COVID-19 pandemic among doctors from Turkey and Italy. Methods: This research is a cross-sectional study in which Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS) are administered online via social networks. All data collection tools were delivered to individuals between 1 and 15 June 2020 and filled in online with Google Forms application. In total, 618 individuals were included in this study and all of them were medical doctors. Results: Higher PS and STS levels were found related to female gender, being married, working in pandemic hospital and older ages. Stress levels were found statistically higher in Turkish doctors when compared to Italian doctors for both stress scales (Turkish/Italian PSS:20.18 ± 7.90/ 19.35 ± 6.71, STSS: 44.19 ± 13.29/ 38.83 ± 13.74). Conclusion: The number of doctors per 1000 of population is lower and per capita visits to a physician are higher in Turkey when compared to Italy. Besides pandemic, these heavier working conditions, increased weekly working hours can cause stress for Turkish doctors. Reporting information such this study is important and international collaborations are essential to plan future prevention strategies. We need to strengthen international ties and build more international collaborations rather than staying within our national silos. Additionally, interventions to promote mental well-being in health care professionals exposed to COVID-19 need to be immediately implemented

Metabolic Treatment of Wolfram Syndrome

Wolfram Syndrome (WS) is a very rare genetic disorder characterized by several symptoms that occur from childhood to adulthood. Usually, the first clinical sign is non-autoimmune diabetes even if other clinical features (optic subatrophy, neurosensorial deafness, diabetes insipidus) may be present in an early state and may be diagnosed after diabetes' onset. Prognosis is poor, and the death occurs at the median age of 39 years as a consequence of progressive respiratory impairment, secondary to brain atrophy and neurological failure. The aim of this paper is the description of the metabolic treatment of the WS. We reported the experience of long treatment in patients with this syndrome diagnosed in pediatric age and followed also in adult age. It is known that there is a correlation between metabolic control of diabetes, the onset of other associated symptoms, and the progression of the neurodegenerative alterations. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary in order to prevent, treat and carefully monitor all the comorbidities that may occur. An extensive understanding of WS from pathophysiology to novel possible therapy is fundamental and further studies are needed to better manage this devastating disease and to guarantee to patients a better quality of life and a longer life expectancy

Disordered eating behaviors in youths with type 1 diabetes during COVID-19 lockdown: an exploratory study

Background: Recent research indicates that patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at higher risk for disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) than their peers without diabetes. The present study aimed to explore the prevalence of DEBs in a sample of Italian children and adolescents with T1D and in matched-pair healthy controls during the COVID-19 lockdown. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 138 children and adolescents with T1D (aged 8.01–19.11 years, 65 boys) attending a Southern Italian diabetic service and 276 age- and gender-matched healthy peers voluntarily completed an online survey about eating behaviors (ChEAT and EAT-26), anthropometric characteristics, and clinical characteristics. Results: 8.69% (N = 12) of participants with T1D and 13.4% (N = 37) of controls had ChEAT/EAT-26 scores indicating presence of DEBs, with no differences between patients—whether children (total ChEAT score F(1, 157) =.104, p =.748) or adolescents (total EAT-26 score F(1, 255) =.135, p =.731)—and healthy peers. zBMI values were lower than those measured in the latest diabetes visit (p <.0001), while HbA1c values remained unchanged (p =.110). In both groups, adolescents had lower Oral Control scores than children (T1D: F(1, 138) = 20.411, p <.0001, η2 =.132, controls: F(1, 276) = 18.271, p <.0001, η2 =.063); additionally, gender (female) and age were found to be significant predictors of several ChEAT/EAT-26 scores. Conclusions: This exploratory study suggested that children and adolescents with T1D did not experience more DEB symptoms during the COVID-19 lockdown compared to healthy controls. Results revealed DEBs as more of a female adolescent developmental issue rather than a result of the challenges of living with a chronic illness under quarantine measures. Possible effects of parental pressure on their children’s eating behaviors in the context of home confinement and of using a non-diabetes-specific measure to assess DEBs are discussed

“CoVidentary”: 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 “Covidentary” was proposed through full-training (FT) and active breaks (AB) modality. Results: 280 youth (11.8 ± 3.3 years) were included in the analysis. We reported a decline in sport (-2.1 ± 2.1 h/week) and outdoor-plays (-73.9 ± 93.6 min/day). Moreover, we found an increase in sedentary time (+144.7 ± 147.8 min/day), in mean glycaemic values (+25.4 ± 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's sedentary lifestyle