Exploring the association between diabetes management methods and peer bullying, depression, anxiety, and quality of life in children with Type 1 diabetes

Aim: This study aimed to examine the relationships between diabetes management methods and peer bullying, anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QoL) in children and adolescents diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Material and Method: In our study, a total of 106 participants aged between 8 and 18 years were evaluated, including 59 in the T1DM group and 47 in the comparison group. The research involved collecting data based on both children's self- reports and parent evaluations. The measures used included the Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS), the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Peer Victimization Scale (PVS). The data were analyzed using correlation and regression analyses. Results: No significant difference was found in children with T1DM diagnosed with peer bullying compared to healthy controls. Quality of life scores were higher, and anxiety and depression symptoms were lower in the T1DM group. In the intragroup analysis comparing patients with T1DM according to diabetes management method, it was seen that management method did not create a significant difference in terms of anxiety and depression symptoms, peer bullying and quality of life scores. Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate that the use of modern diabetes technologies in children diagnosed with T1DM does not independently demonstrate superiority over traditional diabetes management methods in terms of psychosocial factors such as quality of life, anxiety, depression symptoms, and peer bullying. While modern diabetes technologies offer advantages over traditional methods, they also present certain challenges. Our findings suggest that these technologies are not yet sufficient to ensure patient comfort and that this area still requires further technological developments. Additionally, it is important to investigate other factors that may influence psychosocial well-being in T1DM.