ISPAD ANNUAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS 2023.

The 49th Annual Conference of the International Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD), held from October 18 to 21, 2023, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, showcased significant advancements and diversity in paediatric and adolescent diabetes research and clinical innovations. The conference, renowned for its global impact, brought together experts to discuss cutting-edge developments in the field. Highlights from the plenary sessions included ground-breaking research on immunotherapies and diabetes technologies and offering new insights into personalised treatment approaches. Keynote speakers emphasised the importance of early diagnosis, prevention and the potential of novel biomarkers in predicting disease progression. The symposia covered a broad spectrum of topics, from advancements in continuous glucose monitoring technologies to the latest in hybrid closed loop systems which promise to revolutionise diabetes management for young patients.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Improves Well-Being, Alleviates Worry and Fear of Hypoglycemia.

BACKGROUND: There is limited published evidence regarding the psychological effect of use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in the pediatric population with type 1 diabetes mellitus on metabolic control, fear of hypoglycemia, and patient or carer well-being. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of CGM on patient and carer well-being, worry, fear of hypoglycemia, and glycemic control. METHODS: Children aged >12 years independently completed the hypoglycemia fear survey (HFS). Parents and carers of children using CGM for a minimum of 12 months were asked to complete a modified version of the hypoglycemia fear survey for parents of young children (HFS-P) before and after CGM usage. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (8 boys) were included with median age of 13.5 years (2-17 years) and use of CGM for a minimum of 12 months. There was no significant improvement in the glycated hemoglobin after 12 months of CGM usage. Parents of all 16 patients completed the HFS-P survey. Of 12 young people eligible (age >12 years), 11 returned the HFS survey. Significant improvement was seen in both parental and patient fear of hypoglycemia after CGM (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSION: The use of CGM did not show any significant improvement in glycemic control after 12 months; however, parental and children's fear of hypoglycemia and worry were significantly reduced after the use of CGM. Larger studies on the psychological effects of CGM are warranted.