Introduction and Aim: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. After being diagnosed with diabetes, the lives of both children and parents change dramatically. Managing the disease brings great responsibilities to the family and all family members need to change their daily routines. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the effects of Type 1 diabetes on the family and the relationship between these effects and glycemic control. Cases and Methods: The socio-demographic data form and the Family Impact of Type 1 Diabetes Scale were filled in online by the caregivers (single parent) of children and adolescents aged 6-18 years who were being followed up in the Pediatric Endocrinology outpatient clinic with the diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes mellitus. The relationship between scale scores and metabolic control was evaluated. In addition, it was investigated in which areas diabetes has more negative effects and the relationship of this effect with variables such as the patient's age, duration of diabetes, parent education, and the number of siblings.
Results: 62 patients with a mean age of 11.03±3.15 (6.08-17.50) were included. The mean age at diagnosis was 7.06±3.24 (1.58-14.25), and the mean duration of diabetes was 3.9±2.7 (0.5-14.25). The mean Hba1c value was 7.5% ±1.2 (5.6-11.6). While the rate of those who stated that a person in their family could not work due to diabetes was 55%, the rate of those who said that a person was prevented from doing their job due to diabetes was 65%. While the rate of those who stated that their sleep quality decreased due to diabetes was 87.4%, the rate of parents who stated that their children's activities and holidays were affected due to diabetes was 63.5%. In addition, 60% of the parents who filled out the questionnaire stated that they could not spare enough time for their spouses, and 43.4% stated that they could not spare enough time for their other children. Discussion: Although the effect of diabetes on the family has not been found on glycemic control, it is clear that families with diabetes are particularly affected by this economic situation. In addition, it was determined that when there is a person with diabetes in the family, the relationship between parents is negatively affected and the interest in other children decreases.
15 Sep 2022 - 17 Sep 2022