Knowledge of advanced carbohydrate counting in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes and its effect on glycaemic control

Abstract Objectives Knowledge of advanced carbohydrate counting among individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is essential for achieving optimal glycaemic control. Our aim was to study, among individuals with T1D and their parents, knowledge of and adherence to carbohydrate counting and to investigate factors that might affect their knowledge and adherence. Methods This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study in which a PedCarbQuiz (PCQ) questionnaire to test for carbohydrate counting knowledge was distributed to individuals with T1D seen at the paediatric diabetes clinic at Jordan University Hospital between February 2022 and January 2023. The possible associations between clinical and socioeconomic factors and the PCQ score were studied. Possible predictors of high scores and adherence were assessed using logistic regression analysis. Results The average knowledge score was 59.4 ± 12.8 out of 78. Diabetes duration was negatively correlated with knowledge score and adherence. A higher frequency of blood glucose testing was associated with a higher score (p=0.006) and better adherence (p<0.001). Glycated haemoglobin was negatively correlated with the knowledge score (Pearson correlation= −0.233; p<0.001). A higher knowledge score was associated with a higher parental educational level and family income. The predictors of the knowledge score were diabetes duration and income. The predictors of adherence were diabetes duration and the number of clinic visits during the past year. Conclusions Knowledge of advanced carbohydrate counting among individuals with T1D was associated with higher socioeconomic status. A longer duration of diabetes was associated with a lower knowledge score, which was associated with poorer glycaemic control.