The effect of nutritional status, nutrient intake and parental monitoring on metabolic profile in adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Healthy nutrition directly affects metabolic control and the development of diabetes-related complications in adolescents with T1DM. However, in adolescents, parental monitoring is significantly associated with diabetes management and dietary habits. The purpose of our study was to determine the nutritional habits and nutrient intake of adolescents with T1DM, and to evaluate the relationship between parental monitoring with some biochemical parameters, nutritional habits and nutrient intake. 92 adolescents with T1DM and their parents participated in the study. In the study, the demographic information and nutritional habits of the individuals were obtained by using a face-to-face interview method with a questionnaire. Biochemical findings of individuals were obtained from their files. Nutrient intake was assessed with a three-day dietary records. Parental Monitoring Scale in Diabetes Care (PMSDC) was administered to parents. Statistical analysis p <0.05 was considered significant. 56 of the adolescents are girls (60.7%), 36 are male (30.3%). The HbA1c mean of individuals is 8.35 ± 1.61 (%). Individuals' mean scores PMSDC; 110 ± 14.91 in the good metabolic controlled group, 98.89 ± 18.99 in the moderate metabolic controlled group, 95,41±17,82 in the poor metabolic controlled group and these differences are significant (p=0.008). While there was a reverse linear relationship between the total cholesterol values of the individuals and their mean PMDSC scores (p=0.033) , no significant relationship was found between HDL, LDL and TG (p>0.05). When the nutritional habits of the individuals were examined, the mean PMDSC of the group consuming mid-morning and afternoon snacks was found to be significantly higher than the group that did not consume (p=0.015, p=0.040). While significant differences were determined between the groups according to the ratio of energy to be supplied from carbohydrate (p=0.008) and fat (p=0.042), there was no significant difference for protein (p>0.05). As a result, it was found that there was a significant relationship between metabolic control and some eating habits and parental follow-up in adolescents with T1DM. It should be ensured that all family members take part in the trainings.