Pilot Study on the Assessment of Therapeutic Education in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder primarily managed through insulin therapy, which is crucial for achieving optimal glycemic control in children and adolescents. Therapeutic education is essential, equipping patients and their families with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective self-management. This familial support plays a critical role in the success of therapy and in fostering an environment conducive to the child's self-management of the condition. A core objective of therapeutic education is the prevention of complications associated with T1DM. Children and adolescents are made aware of the importance of consistent disease management by receiving information about the potential consequences of prolonged metabolic dysregulation. Methods: The study employed a diagnostic survey method with a proprietary questionnaire consisting of a demographic section and 28 closed-ended questions. The survey was conducted between February and May 2024 at the Pediatric Diabetes and Pediatrics Clinical Department of the Polikarp Brudziński Independent Public Children's Clinical Hospital in Warsaw. A total of 100 valid responses were included. Data were analyzed using frequency analysis for categorical variables, descriptive statistics for quantitative data, and Pearson's Chi-squared test for relationship analysis. Results: Most parents (76%) initiated knowledge acquisition in diabetology departments. Group and individual training sessions were attended by 58% of respondents. Training frequency was predominantly daily (88%), and 92% of parents stressed the importance of consistent education. The vast majority (96%) of participants rated the training as well prepared, with 100% affirming that the education was adapted to their needs. Conclusions: Therapeutic education for children with T1DM is highly effective, particularly when integrating individual and group training sessions. Regular daily exercise is associated with higher levels of knowledge and skills in diabetes management. This emphasizes the importance of structured and frequent educational programs to optimize disease control, enhance familial support, and prevent complications, ultimately improving patient outcomes.