OBJECTIVES: There is limited data on how managing type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in children relates to parents’ capability well-being. This interim analysis aimed to assess the diabetic status of children with T1DM and to investigate which factors are associated with parents’ well-being.

METHODS: An online cross-sectional study was conducted involving children with T1DM aged 8-15 years and their parents. Parents’ capability well-being was recorded with the ICECAP-A. Children's diabetic status was assessed by glucose control status (6-month mean HbA1C value), and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Diabetes Module. The type of diabetes therapy was also recorded (options: pen, pen+sensor, pump+sensor). Visual analogue scales (VAS; 0-10) were used to determine the level of parents’ therapeutic cooperation and their knowledge of the disease and the therapeutic tools (based on physician’s assessment), and the self-reported impact of the disease on parents’ life.

RESULTS: A total of 121 parent-child dyads were included in the study, with a mean age of 42.5 (±5.8) and 11.8 (±1.8) years. The mean ICECAP-A index, PedsQL Diabetes Module score, and the 6-month mean HbA1C were 0.88 (±0.14), 73.9 (±13.0), and 7.6 (±1.3), respectively. The ANOVA analysis revealed that the ICECAP-A value significantly differed by the type of therapy (F_3,117=3.24; p=0.025). Furthermore, ICECAP-A significantly correlated (p<0.05) with 6-month mean HbA1C (r=-0.237), cooperation with therapy (r=0.244), and the knowledge of disease and therapeutic tools (r=0.283 and r=0.284, respectively). However, no significant correlations were found with the impact of the disease on parents’ life and PedsQL Diabetes Module score.

CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results of this study suggest that the well-being of parents might be associated with their knowledge, cooperation, and choice of their children’s therapy, and with children's glucose control. Further studies are needed to explore the role and influencing factors of the capability well-being of parents caring for children with T1DM.