Device-Related Skin Reactions Increase Emotional Burden in Youths With Type 1 Diabetes and Their Parents

Abstract

Background: Skin reactions due to technological devices pose a significant concern in the management of type 1 diabetes (T1D). This multicentric, comparative cross-sectional study aimed to assess the psychological impact of device-related skin issues on youths with T1D and their parents. Methods: Participants with skin reactions were matched in a 1:1 ratio with a control group. Diabetes-related emotional distress was evaluated using the Problem Areas in Diabetes–Teen version (PAID-T) for participants aged 11 to 19 years and the Problem Areas in Diabetes–Parent Revised version (PAID-PR) completed by parents. In addition, glucose control was assessed through glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics. Results: A total of 102 children and adolescents were consecutively recruited. Adolescents with skin issues had higher PAID-T scores compared to those without (79.6 ± 21.1 vs 62 ± 16.8; P = .004). Parents of youths with skin reactions also reported higher PAID-PR scores than the control group (34.0 ± 11.0 vs 26.9 ± 12.3; P = .015). No differences were observed in HbA1c levels (6.9 ± 0.8% vs 6.8 ± 0.8%, P = .555) or CGM glucose metrics between the two groups. Remarkably, 25.5% were forced to discontinue insulin pumps and/or glucose sensors (21.5% and 5.9%, respectively). Conclusions: Our study highlighted the increased emotional burden experienced by youths with T1D and their parents due to device-related skin reactions, emphasizing the need for further research and interventions in this crucial aspect of diabetes management.