Assessing the home management of hypoglycaemia in paediatric T1DM

Abstract

Objectives: The home management of hypoglycaemia is an essential part of diabetes care. All carers of children with T1DM in Malta receive education on managing hypoglycaemia at the time of initial diagnosis. While this education is often revisited at subsequent appointments, it is not always retained and put into practice. We conducted a survey to assess Maltese carers’ knowledge of how to manage suspected episodes of hypoglycaemia in their children, as well as identify areas where carers feel least confident.

Methods: All Maltese patients under the age of 16 years with T1DM were included. A questionnaire was formulated to assess various aspects of hypoglycaemia management that any carer of a child with T1DM might be expected to know. The carer of each patient with T1DM was contacted a minimum of 6 months following the diagnosis of T1DM.

Results: 117 carers of children with T1DM were interviewed by telephone or in person. While most correctly described appropriate first-line management of suspected hypoglycaemia, only 21% recognized the need to place an unconscious child in the lateral recumbent position, and only 53% suggested they would avoid giving anything by mouth in such an event. Over 80% felt confident in managing hypoglycaemia, but 78% feared using intramuscular glucagon.

Conclusions: This survey highlights areas of knowledge that parents of children with T1DM lack despite regular education. Doctors taking care of children with T1DM should regularly assess carers’ knowledge, and discuss specific areas of concern.