The effect of carbohydrate count on HbA1c level in children and adolescents with TYPE 1 diabetes

In this study, it was aimed to examine the effect of providing carbohydrate count training to children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, adaptation to this method and the effects on HbA1c levels. This study was followed up at the Pediatric Endocrine Outpatient Clinic of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Diyarbakır, with 43 patients with type 1 diabetes, 27 (62.7%) female and 16 (37.2%) male conducted with children and adolescents. Demographic information about diabetics, information and practices related to diabetes management were taken with a descriptive questionnaire form based on the literature. Body weight and height of individuals with diabetes were measured and evaluated with the WHO 2007 Anthroplus application. Participants were given carbohydrate counting training in 3 stages, and 4-6 meetings were held with the participants for this training. After the training, meal content and insulin dose calculation form were applied to measure the carbohydrate count adaptation and skills. The data obtained at the end of the study were found to be statistically evaluated, and the application of carbohydrate counts decreased the HbA1c values but no statistically significant results were obtained (p> 0.05). The data obtained at the end of the study were found to be statistically evaluated, and the application of carbohydrate counts decreased the HbA1c values but no statistically significant results were obtained (p> 0.05). As a result of the analysis, a significant relation was found between the frequency of eating out and the use of sensitive weighing in the kitchen and HbA1c values (p <0.05). The majority of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes who participated in the study could not pass to the third step in carbohydrate counting education and no significant changes were found in HbA1c values. As a result of the study, it was seen that diabetes awareness and treatment awareness should be increased in the region where the study was conducted.