Physiological factors influencing diabetes control in type 1 diabetes children with insulin pumps from diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to identify the physiological factors influencing diabetes control in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) from diabetes diagnosis.

METHODS: This study focused on 163 children (81 boys) initiated with CSII within 2 weeks after T1D recognition and treated for at least 3 years. We analysed fasting C-peptide, GADA, ICA, IA2A, BMI z-score, total daily dose, and basal insulin. Patients were divided into groups according to their metabolic control: 7.5% > HbA1c ≥ 7.5% at the end of the study.

RESULTS: At the end of the follow-up, patients with HbA1c <7.5%, had a lower HbA1c level at diagnosis (11.7% vs 12.6%; P = 0.018), lower HbA1c level at both the first-year (6.7% vs 7.3%; P = 0.000) and the second-year (6.8% vs.7.7%; P = 0.000) follow-up, and a lower GADA level (P = 0.001). A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that HbA1c at diagnosis (P = 0.012), HbA1c at first year (P = 0.000), HbA1c at second year (P = 0.000), age at diagnosis (P = 0.047), GADA (P = 0.031), and basal insulin at third year (P = 0.032), influenced HbA1c <7.5% at the third year of follow-up. At the end of the study, 76% of patients started with CSII at the age <10 years and 49% of subjects initiated with CSII at the age ≥10 years achieved HbA1c ≤7.5%.

CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that for those who initiated CSII at T1D onset, younger age, less intense autoimmune process, a low HbA1c at recognition, and good diabetes control during the first year of treatment were associated with long-term optimal glycaemic control.