Nutritional myths in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND

The global prevalence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is steadily increasing, particularly among children and young adults. Health-related myths can significantly influence patients' dietary behaviors and treatment adherence, thereby compromising disease management and metabolic outcomes.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 190 adolescents and young adults with T1DM attending a pediatric endocrinology outpatient clinic. Data on demographics, BMI, HbA1c values, and nutrition-related myths were collected through face-to-face interviews. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and Spearman correlation coefficients, were performed using SPSS 22.0 software. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors of metabolic control status (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Participants had a mean diabetes duration of 7.5 ± 4.63 years, with a mean HbA1c of 7.9 ± 1.44%. Approximately 27.0% of adolescents and 20.0% of young adults were overweight or obese. Only 29.0% of individuals had good metabolic control (HbA1c <%7), while 71.0% had HbA1c ≥ 7. An increase in diabetes duration was found to elevate the risk of poor metabolic control by 1.107 times, whereas a higher total number of answers was associated with a 0.696-fold decrease in this risk (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Improved knowledge about nutrition myths is associated with better metabolic control among adolescents and young adults with T1DM. Structured education programs tailored to this population may contribute to improved glycemic outcomes. A multidisciplinary team approach is essential to effectively deliver educational content and reinforce evidence-based dietary practices.