OBJECTIVE: To reevaluate the persistence and stability of previously observed differences between pediatric diabetes centers and to investigate the influence of demography, language communication problems, and changes in insulin regimens on metabolic outcome, hypoglycemia, and ketoacidosis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This was an observational cross-sectional international study in 21 centers, with clinical data obtained from all participants and A1C levels assayed in one central laboratory. All individuals with diabetes aged 11-18 years (49.4% female), with duration of diabetes of at least 1 year, were invited to participate. Fourteen of the centers participated in previous Hvidoere Studies, allowing direct comparison of glycemic control across centers between 1998 and 2005. RESULTS: Mean A1C was 8.2 +/- 1.4%, with substantial variation between centers (mean A1C range 7.4-9.2%; P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between centers in rates of severe hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis. Language difficulties had a significant negative impact on metabolic outcome (A1C 8.5 +/- 2.0% vs. 8.2 +/- 1.4% for those with language difficulties vs. those without, respectively; P < 0.05). After adjustement for significant confounders of age, sex, duration of diabetes, insulin regimen, insulin dose, BMI, and language difficulties, the center differences persisted, and the effect size for center was not reduced. Relative center ranking since 1998 has remained stable, with no significant change in A1C. CONCLUSIONS: Despite many changes in diabetes management, major differences in metabolic outcome between 21 international pediatric diabetes centers persist. Different application between centers in the implementation of insulin treatment appears to be of more importance and needs further exploration.
OBJECTIVE: To reevaluate the persistence and stability of previously observed differences between pediatric diabetes centers and to investigate the influence of demography, language communication problems, and changes in insulin regimens on metabolic outcome, hypoglycemia, and ketoacidosis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This was an observational cross-sectional international study in 21 centers, with clinical data obtained from all participants and A1C levels assayed in one central laboratory. All individuals with diabetes aged 11-18 years (49.4% female), with duration of diabetes of at least 1 year, were invited to participate. Fourteen of the centers participated in previous Hvidoere Studies, allowing direct comparison of glycemic control across centers between 1998 and 2005. RESULTS: Mean A1C was 8.2 +/- 1.4%, with substantial variation between centers (mean A1C range 7.4-9.2%; P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between centers in rates of severe hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis. Language difficulties had a significant negative impact on metabolic outcome (A1C 8.5 +/- 2.0% vs. 8.2 +/- 1.4% for those with language difficulties vs. those without, respectively; P < 0.05). After adjustement for significant confounders of age, sex, duration of diabetes, insulin regimen, insulin dose, BMI, and language difficulties, the center differences persisted, and the effect size for center was not reduced. Relative center ranking since 1998 has remained stable, with no significant change in A1C. CONCLUSIONS: Despite many changes in diabetes management, major differences in metabolic outcome between 21 international pediatric diabetes centers persist. Different application between centers in the implementation of insulin treatment appears to be of more importance and needs further exploration.
Authors: Dimitrios Charalampopoulos; Julia M Hermann; Jannet Svensson; Torild Skrivarhaug; David M Maahs; Karin Akesson; Justin T Warner; Reinhard W Holl; Niels H Birkebæk; Ann K Drivvoll; Kellee M Miller; Ann-Marie Svensson; Terence Stephenson; Sabine E Hofer; Siri Fredheim; Siv J Kummernes; Nicole Foster; Lena Hanberger; Rakesh Amin; Birgit Rami-Merhar; Anders Johansen; Knut Dahl-Jørgensen; Mark Clements; Ragnar Hanas Journal: Diabetes Care Date: 2018-04-12 Impact factor: 19.112
Authors: Lisa E Rasbach; Ashley E Atkins; Kerry M Milaszewski; Joyce Keady; Lisa M Schmidt; Lisa K Volkening; Lori M Laffel Journal: J Diabetes Sci Technol Date: 2014-03-22
Authors: Lalantha Leelarathna; Marianna Nodale; Janet M Allen; Daniela Elleri; Kavita Kumareswaran; Ahmad Haidar; Karen Caldwell; Malgorzata E Wilinska; Carlo L Acerini; Mark L Evans; Helen R Murphy; David B Dunger; Roman Hovorka Journal: Diabetes Technol Ther Date: 2012-12-20 Impact factor: 6.118
Authors: Susanne M Cabrera; Nayan T Srivastava; Jennifer M Behzadi; Tina M Pottorff; Linda A Dimeglio; Emily C Walvoord Journal: Diabetes Educ Date: 2013-02-20 Impact factor: 2.140