The Impact of the 2023 Turkey Earthquakes on Glycemic Control and Stress Levels in Children with Type 1 Diabetes: Single-center Experience.

Abstract

Objective: The 2023 earthquake in southeastern Turkey significantly impacted physical and emotional well-being in the region. This study evaluates the earthquake's effects on glycemic control, diabetes management, and stress levels in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Materials and methods: Seventy-nine pediatric T1D patients were assessed before and after the earthquake. Key parameters included glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin dosage, and psychological assessments using the Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale-Teen version (PAID-T) and the Post-Traumatic Stress Reaction Scale (PTSRS). Mixed-effects models were used to compare data across time points.

Results: Of the 79 participants, 45.6% were male, with a mean age of 143.5 ± 45.0 months. The earthquake disrupted insulin therapy in 36.7% of patients and caused glycemic control issues in 77.2%. HbA1c levels dropped from 9.7 ± 2.7% pre-earthquake to 8.8 ± 2.2% in the first 3 months, rose to 10.6 ± 1.9% in the following 3 months, and stabilized at 9.7 ± 1.9% by the fourth period. A positive correlation was observed between parental stress and children's HbA1c (r = 0.423, p = 0.031). Psychological effects were notable, with 43% reporting distress, and 63.3% experiencing loss of close family or friends. PAID-T scores were 42.0 ± 14.5 for children and 53.7 ± 12.8 for parents, with PTSRS scores of 35.1 ± 17.4.

Conclusions: The earthquake significantly affected glycemic control and psychological well-being in children with T1D. Fluctuations in HbA1c levels and the link between parental stress and glycemic outcomes emphasize the need for tailored interventions during crises.