Abstract
This study identified three distinct patterns of self-management groups for a sample of 239 youth (9-11 years) with type 1 diabetes and their maternal and paternal caregivers, and assessed their relationship to glycemic control (HbA1c).
Youth and their maternal and paternal caregivers were administered the diabetes self-management profile (DSMP) to assess self-management. Glycemic control was based on hemoglobin A1c.
Two-step cluster analysis identified three different self-management groups based on youth, maternal, and paternal reports. Analysis of variance indicated that the pattern of less optimal diabetes self-management was associated with worse glycemic control.
Our results objectively describe differences in patterns of self-management in youth with type 1 diabetes, that relate to glycemic control. Interventions based on these specific patterns of self-management may improve diabetes management and enhance glycemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
