Carbohydrate counting knowledge and ambulatory glucose profile in persons living with type 1 diabetes

Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2024 Apr:210:111592. doi: 10.1016/j.diabres.2024.111592. Epub 2024 Mar 2.

Abstract

Context: The amount of consumed carbohydrates is the strongest factor influencing glucose levels during the four hours following a meal. Our aim was to evaluate the association between carbohydrate counting knowledge and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) parameters in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using different insulin regimens.

Method: In this multicenter prospective study, the GluciQuizz questionnaire was used to evaluate carbohydrate knowledge. CGM data for the 14 days preceding completion of the questionnaire were analyzed. The primary endpoint was evaluation of the correlation between the GluciQuizz total score and time in range (TIR) in the study population.

Results: The mean age of the 170 participants was 40.7 ± 14.8 years and duration of T1D 18.8 ± 12.1 years. The mean GluciQuizz total score for all participants was 66 ± 13 %. Mean TIR was 58.6 ± 18.7 %. GluciQuizz total score positively correlated with TIR (r = 0.3001; p < 0.0001). This correlation was observed in CSII users (r = 0.2526; p < 0.05) but not in MDI (r = 0.2510; p = 0.1134) and HCL users (r = -0.1065; p = 0.4914). TIR was also negatively correlated with the mean carb count error in all study participants (r = -0.2317; p < 0.01).

Conclusion: In conclusion, as the Gluciquizz score was associated with metabolic control, this easy-to-use self-administered questionnaire could be used widely on a routine basis to assess the carbohydrate knowledge of T1D patients and to offer them targeted education tailored to their needs.

Keywords: Carbohydrate-counting; Quiz; Time in range; Type 1 diabetes.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1* / drug therapy
  • Glucose
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Insulin
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies

Substances

  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Glucose
  • Blood Glucose
  • Insulin