ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disorder and strict glycemic control, which cannot be successfully obtained without behavior modification, is the most important factor in prevention and management of complications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term effects and associated factors of the diabetes education program and to assess the necessity of regular and structured education and support in diabetic children and adolescents. METHODS: Thirty patients (10.0-18.9 years) with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), attending the diabetes clinic in Seoul National University Children's Hospital, were included in the diabetes education program with intensified treatment. A six-day-course program was provided by a diabetes care team with doctors, a specialist diabetes nurse, a clinical dietitian, and a social worker. Patient data of disease duration and complication studies at the time of enrollment were reviewed and changes in HbA1c levels before and after the education program were analyzed. RESULTS: In 28 of 30 patients, significant decrease of average HbA1c levels (average 0.9%, median 0.8%, P < 0.001) was observed after education. The changes in average HbA1c levels were prominent in patients who were educated for the first time. On follow-up, HbA1c level at 3 months was significantly decreased (P = 0.009) but after 9 months, it tended to increase again. The decrease of average HbA1c levels after education was negatively correlated with disease duration (r = -0.60, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The short-term effect of the diabetes education program with intensified treatment in diabetic children and adolescents was optimistic but regular education and support in these patients should be sustained.