P-81: Nutrition education in type 1 diabetes: carbohydrate counting program experience at a tertiary care pediatric hospital in South America
M H Raspini, G Bilos, C Crozzoli, M C Gabras, B Soto Montesano, C Alasio, M Giudice Bravo, K Abraldes, C Vezzani, S BlasiAbstract
Introduction
Management of type 1 diabetes(T1D) in pediatric patients requires a multidisciplinary approach. Practical skills, such as carbohydrate counting and nutrition label interpretation, are essential but remain challenging to implement, underscoring the need for structured, family-centered educational strategies.
Objectives
To analyze the impact of a practical workshop–based educational intervention on knowledge and skills related to nutritional management in pediatric patients with T1D.
Methods
A quasi-experimental study was conducted in pediatric patients with T1D and their families at a tertiary hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina (May 2024–September 2025). The intervention included structured workshops combining theory and hands-on activities with food models and real foods. Knowledge and practices were assessed pre- and post-intervention using an adapted PedCarbQuiz instrument. Changes were analyzed with the McNemar test (SPSS v27).
Results
113 participants, mean age of 11.8 ± 3.6 years and mean duration of T1D of 3.5 ± 3.4 years. 94% of participants identified CHO correctly. Regarding foodCHO counting 8 out of 10 participants performed correctly, and 100% of families improved their performance in counting CHO in prepared meals. The level of knowledge in reading nutrition labels reached 90%. McNemar test revealed statistically significant changes (p < 0.001) in all assessed areas (Table1).
Conclusions
The structured educational intervention demonstrated a significant impact on improving knowledge and skills related to nutritional management. These findings reinforce the value of active, participatory, and context-specific educational strategies as essential tools within a comprehensive approach to pediatric diabetes. The systematic incorporation of such interventions into clinical practice could help optimize self-care and, potentially, improve long-term glycemic control.