Behaviour and metabolic control in children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus on insulin pump therapy: 2-year follow-up

Aims This study investigated whether continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion is associated with sustained improvement in behaviour and metabolic control. Methods Children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (n = 27, 8-18 years old) who had been assessed previously prior to commencing continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, and 6-8 weeks later, were re-evaluated 2 years after commencing insulin pump therapy. Behaviour was reassessed using the Behavioral Assessment System for Children-2nd edition (BASC-2) and current HbA(1c) levels were recorded. Results Two years after commencing continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, parent-reported internalizing and externalizing symptoms were significantly lower than pre-insulin pump therapy commencement levels. Self reports of internalizing and externalizing problems did not differ significantly across the three assessment points. There was no significant difference between pre-insulin pump therapy HbA(1c) and HbA(1c) after 2 years on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, despite an initial improvement 6-8 weeks after commencing the therapy. Conclusions Children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus showed sustained improvements in parent-reported behaviour, but not in self reports of behaviour or in metabolic control 2 years after commencement of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion.