Authors:
Cooper MN, McNamara KA, de Klerk NH, Davis EA, Jones TW
Authors notes:
Pediatric Diabetes. 2014;Online:1-11
Keywords:
Diabetes mellitus, education, type 1 diabetes mellitus
Abstract:
Our aim was to examine the school performance of children with type 1 diabetes in comparison to their peers, exploring changes over time, and the impact of clinical factors on school performance.
No significant difference was observed between those with type 1 diabetes and their peers, across any of the tested domains and school years analysed.
No decline over time was observed, and no decline following diagnosis was observed.
Type 1 diabetes was associated with decreased school attendance, 3% fewer days attended per year. Poorer glycaemic control was associated with a lower test score, and with poorer attendance.
No association was observed with history of severe hypoglycaemia, diabetic ketoacidosis or age of onset and school test scores.
These results suggest that type 1 diabetes is not associated with a significant decrement in school performance, as assessed by NAPLAN.
The association of poorer glycaemic control with poorer school performance serves as further evidence for clinicians to focus on improving glycaemic control.