The short-term results of intensive insulin therapy in preadolescent children with type-1 diabetes

Purpose: The aim of this study was to observe the effects of and compliance with an intensive insulin regimen in preadolescent children with type-1 diabetes. Patients and methods: Eleven insulin-dependent diabetic patients, five girls and six boys aged 8-11 years (mean 9 years 3 months) with a mean±SD diabetes duration of 2±1.07 years, participated in this study. The results of the intensive insulin regimen were evaluated after one-year follow-up in 11 patients, and in 8 patients at 18 months. In the first year of this study we aimed to bring about higher blood glucose than is generally advised, in order to avoid hypoglycemia. After one year, we encouraged the patients to promote strict metabolic control. Results: Blood glucose and HbA1c levels had significantly decreased after the intensive insulin regimen at the 12th month of treatment (pth month of treatment (pth and 18th months. Diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly (p0.05). Conclusion: Although the patients had no symptomatic hypoglycemic episodes in the first 12 months, they had symptomatic hypoglycemia between 12th and 18th months, when there was stricter metabolic control. We conclude that this regimen is appropriate for preadolescent children.