A pilot study of mealtime insulin administration and parental stress in youth with new-onset type 1 diabetes.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To compare the stress level in parents of children with new-onset type 1 diabetes receiving a fixed insulin dose for a fixed range of carbohydrates (CHOs) to parents of children receiving a precise insulin dose for a precise number of CHOs using an insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio (ICR). METHODS: Twenty-four participants (8-14 years) were randomized to receive a fixed dose of insulin for a fixed range of CHOs (FD group) or a precise dose of insulin for a precise number of carbohydrates using an ICR (ICR group). The primary endpoint was parental stress measured with the parental stress survey (PSS) 1 to 4 months after diagnosis. Secondary endpoints included glycemic variability, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C ) and safety. RESULTS: Compared to parents of children in the ICR group, those from the FD group reported less stress during the first 4 months after diagnosis (p = 0.022). Glycemic variability and HbA1C were similar in both groups. None of the patients from either group required an emergency department visit or hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison to precise insulin dosing using an ICR, fixed insulin dosing for a fixed range of CHOs may be less stressful for parents to learn and employ when initially taught diabetes management skills for their child with new-onset type 1 diabetes.