Supervisors info:
Παντελεήμων Περδικάρης, Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής, Τμήμα Νοσηλευτικής, Πανεπιστήμιο Πελοποννήσου, Επιβλέπων
Κυριακή Καραβανάκη, Καθηγήτρια, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Ιωάννης Κουτελέκος, Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής, Τμήμα Νοσηλευτικής, Πανεπιστήμιο Δυτικής Αττικής
Summary:
BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease characterized by inadequate production or complete absence of insulin due to the destruction of pancreatic beta cells caused by the presence of autoantibodies. Data show that this condition affects children and adolescents to a great extent. Type 1 diabetes involves high levels of glucose in the blood, which are managed through exogenous insulin administration, although complete cure is not available. This disease increases the risk of acute and chronic complications, with the latter including a range of serious conditions such as kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetic foot, which put patients' lives at risk. For more effective disease management, patients are advised to adopt lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and exercise; however, living with diabetes often disrupts their quality of life.
AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the quality of life of pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes, with the goal of identifying those disease-related parameters and/or demographic factors that have a greater impact on their physical and mental health.
METHODOLOGY: The study included the recording of reports from pediatric patients aged 5-18 with type 1 diabetes, as well as their parents, through specially designed questionnaires tailored to the age of the participants, in order to evaluate the quality of life of the affected individuals. The questionnaire used was the PedsQL Diabetes Module Version 3.0, which assesses the following aspects: symptomatology of type 1 diabetes, treatment-related problems, concerns regarding the disease, and communication.
RESULTS: The data collected revealed that patients with type 1 diabetes do not always agree with their parents regarding the assessment of their quality of life. However, it is clear that certain factors related to living with the disease are associated with a more significant disruption in quality of life. Some indicative examples include high HbA1c levels and episodes of hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis. Additionally, quality of life depends on various demographic factors, such as the father's educational level, the presence of siblings in the family, place of residence, and the age of the affected individuals.
CONCLUSIONS: Although this study has certain limitations, it is evident that living with type 1 diabetes entails a range of concerns and factors that complicate daily life. Therefore, it is important to design strategies for better serving patients and their families, ensuring they receive the necessary support, both psychologically and for optimal disease management.
