Stable Glucose Improves Classroom Attention in Diabetes

Stabilizing serum glucose in children with type 1 diabetes appears to improve classroom attention, researchers from Arizona State University in Tempe report.

Dr. David L. Wodrich and colleagues evaluated the effect on classroom attention of using an insulin pump to stabilizing serum glucose in four boys with type 1 diabetes. After 10 days of classroom observation, the children received an insulin pump and serum glucose was stabilized. They were observed again for 10 days.

The researchers used a modified multiple baseline design to determine if there was an association between improved on-task and off-task behavior. Rating scales and a laboratory measure of attention, measures of secondary interest, were also administered at baseline and after pump introduction.

At follow-up, all of the subjects showed improvements in on-task and off-task behavior, averaging 20% and 34%, respectively. There were no changes on rating scales or laboratory measures, according to findings published in the February issue of the Journal of Pediatrics.

The changes in classroom attention, as measured by on-task and off-task behavior "may have meaningful implications on the participants’ lives, as well as those of their peers and teachers," Dr. Wodrich and colleagues write.

"Such changes may signal better long-term academic gains and diminished need for teacher time devoted to management and redirection in the long run," they conclude.
J Pediatr 2006;148:201-206.

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