The Relationship between Glycated Hemoglobin Levels and the Quality of Life among Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Children

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia that occurs due to impaired both in insulin secretion and insulin action. Children with type 1 diabetes mellitus should be targeted to achieve a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) level ≤7.0% to reduce the risk of complications and improve quality of life. The majority of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus exhibit poor self-care and Health-related Quality of life behavior. AIM: The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between HbA1C level and the quality of life among type 1 diabetes mellitus in children. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 30 children with type 1 diabetes mellitus who attended at pediatric endocrine clinic Haji Adam Malik general hospital and Universitas Sumatera Utara hospital Medan. Sampling was carried out in April 2020–July 2020. HbA1C level and self-administered questionnaire were used to assess the quality of life. Spearman correlation test was conducted to assess the correlation between HbA1C levels and the quality of life. RESULTS: The mean of HbA1C level was 10.35 ± 2.68. No significant correlation between HbA1C level and the quality of life of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (r = 0.264, p > 0.05) CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant correlation between HbA1C levels and the quality of life of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.