Quality of life and factors affecting glycemic control in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes: a cross-sectional study


Şimşek A., Bingöl Aydın D., Çubukçu E., Ar I., Can E.

Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, ss.1-7, 2026 (Hakemli Dergi)

Özet

Aims: Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood and has a significant impact on

children’s quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors affecting the quality of life and glycemic

control of adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in pediatric endocrinology outpatient clinics

of three hospitals in Turkey between January 2023 and January 2024. The descriptive information form, clinical

data including blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels were obtained from medical records, and Pediatric

Quality of Life Scale (PedsQL) were used as data collection tools.

Results: A total of 217 adolescents (average age = 14) participated in the study. The mean PedsQL total score was

43.8 ± 14.6. Scale scores were significantly affected by factors such as HbA1c level (p = 0.000), regular physical

activity (p = 0.016), carbohydrate counting (p = 0.018), sharing diabetes with friends (p = 0.019), and education

level (p = 0.008). Scale score was found to be lower in individuals with HbA1c ≥ 7.5.

Conclusion: The quality of life of adolescents with type 1 diabetes is affected by multidimensional factors,

including not only glycemic control but also individual education, social support, and physical activity. Therefore,

a holistic care model should be developed.