ESPE Abstracts

Object and Aim: The quality of metabolism in type 1 diabetes depends on different external factors, e.g. the circumstances of living of a patient. We investigated how far the family status, living situation or own children have influence on metabolic control in patients who were transferred to adult care after long-term care in pediatric diabetology.

Patients and Methods: From 1998 until 2019 we annually sent a questionnaire to all patients with type 1 diabetes who left our pediatric diabetes specific care. We asked for current metabolic control (HbA1c), circumstances of living (alone, with parents, with own family), and family situation (single, married, with children). Participation was voluntary. We analyzed the data mixed longitudinal and cross-sectional.

Results: Age at transfer was 21.2 years (mean), diabetes duration 11.3 years. The mean age when answering the questionnaire was 26.5 years. 84.8% of patients (190 of 224) answered at least once during the study period. 48% of patients were female. 24.2% of patients were married. HbA1c of married vs. single patients 7.01% vs. 7.30%; P<0.05. HbA1c before transfer of patients married vs. single 7.47% vs. 7.62%; n.s. HbA1c of patients who live alone vs. patients who still live at their parents 7.23% vs. 7.22%, n.s.. Thirty of the patients (15.8%) became parents. HbA1c of patients with children vs. without children 6.93% vs. 7.28%; P<0.01. HbA1c before transfer vs. after in patients with children 7.46% vs. 6.93% P<0.05. HbA1c in women in the year of pregnancy vs. in years without pregnancy 6.38% vs. 7.33%; P<0.01.

Conclusion: Married patients with type 1 diabetes and patients with children show better metabolic control. Changes like a marriage or becoming parents could have favorable effects on metabolic control in patients with type 1 diabetes.