Is there an optimal approach to elective stabilisation of glycaemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus?

Aim To investigate the effectiveness of inpatient and outpatient interventions in attaining improved glycaemic control in children/adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus and persistently high/deteriorating HbA1c. Methods A retrospective study at a tertiary paediatric centre. Admitted individuals who had prior attempts at ambulatory stabilisation were matched with intervention naive controls who underwent outpatient intervention. The mean age was 14.6 years in the admitted group and 14.7 years in the ambulatory group. Mean duration of diabetes was 6.1 years in the admitted group and 7.3 years in the ambulatory group. Change in HbA1c from baseline was assessed to 12 months. Results Mean baseline HbA1c was 11.3% (100 mmol/mol), with 11.4% in the admitted group and 11.2% in the ambulatory group. Sustained reduction in HbA1c at 12 months was seen in both groups (n = 35 in each): mean (standard deviation) 10.1% (1.5) in admitted (mean reduction in HbA1c 1.4%) and 9.7% (1.4) in ambulatory (mean reduction in HbA1c 1.5%). Proportions achieving delta HbA1c >= 2% (22 mmol/mol) at 12 months were 25 and 31% in admitted and ambulatory groups, respectively. A sustained reduction in HbA1c of >= 2% (22 mmol/mol) after 12 months was more likely in those who attained this reduction by 6 months (17/24 who achieved this at 6 months vs. 3/41 who had not). Conclusions Both inpatient and outpatient stabilisation strategies achieved sustained improvements in HbA1c. We recommend an individualised approach to stabilisation, with review of the intervention's success at 6 months with further intensification as needed.