Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT2440

Introduction: Managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) in childhood imposes significant burdens on families, influenced by factors such as the child’s age, diabetes duration, glycemic control, and use of technologies like insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). Caregiver burden in families of children with T1D has not been sufficiently explored. This study evaluates caregiver burden and its relationship with these factors.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 children with T1D from a single pediatric endocrinology clinic. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. The Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) assessed caregiver burden across four subcategories: demands of care and social impact, control over the situation, psychological impact, and worry about caregiving performance. Participants were divided into three groups: non-users of diabetes technologies, CGM users, and insulin pump users. Statistical analyses were conducted using non-parametric tests.

Results: Among the children, 48% were girls (n = 48) and 52% were boys (n = 52), with a mean age of 12. 2±4. 1 years (range: 2. 5–18. 3 years). The mean age at diagnosis was 7. 4±3. 9 years, and the mean duration of diabetes was 4. 9±3. 8 years. Of the participants, 32% were prepubertal, and 68% were pubertal. Regarding technology use, 44% did not use technology, 43% used CGMs, and 13% used insulin pumps. Mothers constituted the majority of primary caregivers (90%). The mean ZBI total score was 24. 8 ± 14. 2, indicating mild to moderate burden. No statistically significant differences were found in total caregiver burden or its subcategories based on gender or pubertal status (p>0. 05). Correlation analyses revealed no significant relationship between diabetes duration and caregiver burden (r = -0. 03, P = 0. 774). However, a significant negative correlation was observed between the child’s age and total caregiver burden (r = -0. 2, P = 0. 018), as well as between age and caregiving demands and social life impact (r = -0. 3, P = 0. 007). No significant correlation was found between HbA1c levels and caregiver burden (r = 0. 1, P = 0. 259). Caregivers of children using diabetes technologies reported significantly lower total burdens compared to non-users (P = 0. 001), with no notable differences between CGM and insulin pump users (P = 0. 954).

Conclusion: Diabetes technologies were associated with reduced caregiver burden. Families of older children experienced less burden, while diabetes duration had no significant effect. Improving access to diabetes technologies and developing support strategies, especially for families with younger children, is essential.