The Quality of Life and Satisfaction with Continuous Glucose Monitoring Therapy in Children under 7 Years of Age with T1D Using the rtCGM System Integrated with Insulin Pump-A Caregivers Point of View

Sensors (Basel). 2021 May 25;21(11):3683. doi: 10.3390/s21113683.

Abstract

Quality of life (QoL) is an important parameter that affects the choice of therapy. Assessment of QoL and satisfaction with therapy using the rtCGM in children with T1D aged < 7 years was conducted. The study group consisted of 38 children with T1D aged < 7 years (34% aged 2-4, 66% aged 5-7 years), HbA1c: 6.53 ± 0.63%, duration of diabetes: 2.6 ± 1.6 years, treated with an rtCGM-augmented insulin pump for 1.92 ± 1.15 years. Two anonymous surveys were conducted: a. PedsQL3.0 diabetes standardized questionnaire-QoL assessment among age groups: 2-4/5-7 years. b. An original survey assessing the CGM use satisfaction. The mean scores in PedsQL3.0: communication 75%, worries 30%, treatment 70%, and problems associated with diabetes 65%. The QoL scale is: 0-19% very low, 20-39% low, 40-59% moderate, 60-79% high, 80-100% very high. The most frequently reported concerns were long-term diabetes complications and prick pain. Satisfaction with CGM use was high (68% in group aged 5-7 and 92% 2-4 years). Twenty-seven (71%) caregivers confirmed the positive effect of CGM on sleep. During the use of rtCGM a high quality of life was reported, and the quality of sleep in their caregivers was increased.

Keywords: continuous glucose monitoring; diabetes type 1 children; quality of life.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Glucose
  • Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring
  • Caregivers
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Quality of Life*

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin