Skin Reactions in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Associated with the Use of New Diabetes Technologies—An Observational Study from a Regional Polish Pediatric Diabetes Center

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of skin problems in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using insulin pumps (IPs) and/or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in our center and analyze their association with various factors. As part of the international ISPAD JENIOUS-initiated SKIN-PEDIC project, we interviewed and examined patients who visited the regional pediatric diabetes center in Opole (Poland) for four weeks regarding the use of IP and/or CGM and the presence of skin problems. Body mass index (BMI) and glycemic parameters were obtained retrospectively from medical records. Among 115 individuals (45.2% girls, 83.5% IP users, 96.5% CGM users), old scars were the most common skin problem (IP users 53.1%; CGM users 66.4%), while ≥2 types of skin problems co-occurred (IP users 40.6%; CGM users 27.3%). Longer IP use was associated with a higher prevalence of skin problems (50% for IP < 1 year, 98.1%-IP 1–3 years, 100% for IP > 3 years; p < 0.001), pointing out extra attention with IP use > 1 year. No significant associations were found between skin problems and gender, age, BMI centile and glycemic parameters. Dermatological complications were common among children using IP and CGM in our center, highlighting the need for vigilant monitoring and early intervention to manage these skin-related issues effectively.
Keywords: type 1 diabetes; children; skin problems; insulin pump; CGM