P-359: Impact of continuous glucose monitoring on health-related quality of life and glycemic control in children with type 1 diabetes
K Çetin, Y F Bahar, A Tırtar, H Tuhan, M ParlakAbstract
Introduction
Continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGM) has become an integral component of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) management by improving glycemic monitoring and reducing diabetes burden. Since January 2025, CGM systems have been reimbursed by the Turkish Social Security Institution, enabling wider use among children with T1DM. However, data regarding their impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in pediatric populations remain limited.
Objectives
To evaluate the effects of CGM use on health-related quality of life and glycemic control in children with T1DM after six months of sensor use.
Methods
A total of 102 children aged 5-18 years with T1DM, followed at the Pediatric Endocrinology Department of Akdeniz University, were included. Parents completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL 4.0) before CGM initiation and after six months of use. HbA1c values obtained before CGM and at six months were compared. Paired statistical analyses were performed, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results
After six months of CGM use, the total PedsQL score increased significantly from 72.4±13.8 to 77.6±11.8 (mean difference +5.2, 95% CI 3.9-6.5; p<0.001). Significant improvements were observed in physical health (73.1±17.3 vs. 77.3±15.1), emotional functioning (65.3±16.9 vs. 71.4±16.2), social functioning (87.4±16.6 vs. 92.0±13.2), school functioning (63.6±19.0 vs. 70.2±19.5), and psychosocial health (72.1±14.0 vs. 77.8±12.7) (all p<0.001). Moderate effect sizes were found, with the greatest improvement in emotional functioning and total HRQoL. Mean HbA1c decreased from 8.9±2.4% to 8.1±1.5% (mean reduction 0.75%; p=0.006).
Conclusions
CGM use was associated with significant improvements in both health-related quality of life and glycemic control in children with T1D. The greatest benefits were observed in emotional functioning and overall HRQoL, supporting the routine use of CGM in pediatric diabetes care.