What Helps Kids with Type 1 Diabetes Keep Blood Sugar in Check

A recent study of 163 children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes found that glycaemic control remains difficult for many young people. Researchers looked at factors that predict whether kids achieve good blood sugar management, defined as a glycated haemoglobin (A1C) below 7.5%. Their findings show that about 35% of children in the study achieved this goal, while 65% had A1C levels at or above 7.5%, indicating poor glycaemic control. The median A1C across all participants was 8.4%—higher than recommended targets.

The study was conducted at the Paediatric Endocrinology Department of the National Institute of Child Health in Karachi, Pakistan, between June and November 2024. Children ranged in age from 2 to 18 years, with a median age of 12 years, and all had been living with Type 1 diabetes for at least a year.

The research found that the person managing a child's diabetes day-to-day matters for outcomes. Having the father as the primary caregiver was independently associated with higher odds of poor glycaemic control. This does not mean fathers cannot effectively manage diabetes care, but rather highlights that caregiver involvement and engagement—regardless of who it is—are critical elements of good blood sugar management.

The study underscores that diabetes management is not just a medical task; it's a family responsibility that works best when caregivers are actively involved and informed.

Two of the strongest predictors of poor glycaemic control were skipping insulin doses and not checking blood sugar regularly. Insulin nonadherence was significantly associated with worse blood sugar control, as was irregular blood glucose monitoring. These findings confirm what many families already know: staying consistent with injections and daily testing is essential for managing Type 1 diabetes.

The challenge is real—managing insulin and monitoring multiple times daily requires discipline, routine, and planning. But the data show that when adherence slips, blood sugar control suffers.

The study also found that children and adolescents who waited more than 2 months between healthcare visits had higher odds of poor glycaemic control. Regular appointments with an endocrinologist or diabetes care team provide opportunities to adjust insulin doses, troubleshoot problems, and keep the family on track.

These visits are not just checkups—they are moments to review progress, learn new strategies, and ensure the care plan is working for the individual child and family.

This study highlights that good glycaemic control for children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes depends on multiple factors working together: reliable insulin administration, consistent blood sugar monitoring, engaged caregiving, and regular medical appointments. No single factor guarantees success, but neglecting any of these areas increases the risk of poor control.

If you or your family are struggling with any of these areas, talking openly with your diabetes care team can help identify solutions—whether that means setting up reminders for insulin doses, simplifying your monitoring routine, or adjusting the frequency of appointments. Glycaemic control is a team effort, and getting support when you need it makes a real difference.

Source: JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association. Evidence type: PubMed indexed literature. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.