Assessment of the diet of male adolescents suffering from type 1 diabetes

INTRODUCTION: Currently, 5–10% of diabetes patients are teenagers. During this period the influence of peers and observation of their eating habits plays a significant role. Unfortunately, they differ from the principles of proper nutrition, which according to the PTD Diabetes Poland should be introduced as an element of proper metabolic compensation. AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the condition and dietary habits of male adolescents with type 1 diabetes and to compare their eating habits to generally accepted standards. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study participants include 20 boys, aged 14.6 ±1.58 years, with type 1 diabetes mellitus treated with a personal insulin pump who were diagnosed using ISPAD criteria. In the study anthropometric and questionnaire methods were used, as well as body composition analysis. RESULTS: In most of the examined subjects, the assessment of nutritional status indicates a proper proportion of adipose tissue (14.72 ±6.25%, 8.71 ±4.10 kg per kg) and muscle mass in the body (28.2 ±6.93 kg). Unfortunately in a significant group of adolescents, the diet is not properly balanced. Particularly the common problem is the excess of total carbohydrates, including simple sugars. CONCLUSIONS: To sum up, despite systematic education of proper nutrition on glycemic control and prevention of acute and chronic complications, the eating habits of male adolescents differ from those of proper nutrition. Additionally, it should be noted that despite the proper results of the body composition analysis, there is a problem with an erroneously balanced diet.