title: Quality of life of children with type 1 diabetes: a systematic review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have to deal with a complex and demanding daily treatment regime which can have a negative impact on the quality of life (QoL) of these patients. The objective of the present study is to review studies that have compared generic quality of life of children and adolescents with T1DM with that of healthy peers. In addition, we will examine whether QoL differs between boys and girls, and across different developmental stages.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic literature search using PubMed was conducted for the years 2000 through May 2012. 17 studies were eligible for the current review. Effect sizes were computed to estimate the effects of having T1DM on QoL in children and adolescents.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although individual studies reported small to moderate effect sizes on the distinct QoL-domains, the weighted effect sizes across all studies indicated no differences in QoL-domains between children and adolescents with T1DM and healthy controls. However, disease-specific problems were certainly present. Girls with T1DM reported lower generic and disease-specific QoL than boys with T1DM. Relationships between age and generic or disease-specific QoL remained unclear.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although children and adolescents with T1DM have to live with a demanding treatment regime, overall results revealed that their generic QoL is not impaired compared to healthy peers. However, disease-specific QoL problems, including a negative impact of diabetes on daily functioning, and diabetes-related worries were certainly present. Longitudinal research is needed in order to provide tailored care for children of all ages with T1DM.
authors.affiliation: Developmental Psychology/Tilburg University, Room number: P 707, P.O. Box 90153, 5000 LE Tilburg, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Anke
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nieuwesteeg
authors.forename: Frans
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pouwer
authors.forename: Rozemarijn
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: van der Kamp
authors.forename: Hedwig
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: van Bakel
authors.forename: Henk-Jan
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Aanstoot
authors.forename: Esther
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hartman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D016497:Adolescent Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires