Pilot study results for a novel behavior plus nutrition intervention for caregivers of young children with type 1 diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
To present results for a parent-based educational intervention targeting mealtime behaviors plus nutrition among families of young children (mean age, 5.0 ± 1.2 years) with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).


METHODS
The researchers recruited 9 caregivers who participated in the 6-session intervention and completed baseline and posttreatment assessments, which included dietary intake, acceptability of diet changes, mealtime behavior, and mean blood glucose values.


RESULTS
Children's mean daily blood glucose levels decreased from 185 ± 46 mg/dL to 159 ± 40 mg/dL (P < .001). There were also decreases in problematic parent and child mealtime behaviors. There was no change in children's dietary intake indicators that could be detected.


CONCLUSIONS
It appears promising that this targeted behavior plus nutrition intervention can improve glycemic control and behavior for young children with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Larger, randomized controlled trials will clarify significant results, limitations, and sustainability. Techniques within the program may have application to current practice.
Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS. Electronic address: spatton2@kumc.edu.
Susana R
SR
Patton
Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS.
Cathleen
C
Odar
Saint Luke's Hospital, Kansas City, MO.
L Kurt
LK
Midyett
Division of Endocrinology, Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics, Kansas City, MO.
Mark A
MA
Clements
D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education*; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000097:blood* / Q000628:therapy*; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D062407:Meals; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education; D010865:Pilot Projects
D001786:Blood Glucose
behavior; child; diabetes; glycemic control; nutrition; preschool