Parental marital relationship satisfaction predicts glycemic outcomes in children with type 1 diabetes

Objectives Glycemic outcomes in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) vary widely, despite uniform care. We hypothesized that glycemic outcomes in children with T1D are affected by the marital relationship satisfaction of the child's parents. Methods We evaluated a prospective sample of 51 families with a child with newly diagnosed T1D, including 36 married parent families. We assessed indicators of marital relationship satisfaction and used multiple regression models to determine whether marital relationship satisfaction at diagnosis was associated with mean HbA(1c) 18-24 months after diagnosis. Results Marital status and parental relationship satisfaction at the time of the child's T1D diagnosis were associated with HbA(1c) 18-24 months later. These differences persisted after adjusting for demographic factors associated with glycemia. Conclusions The quality of the primary diabetes caregiver's relationship with a spouse predicts glycemic outcomes for children with T1D. Interventions to improve spousal relationships and caregiver support could improve glycemic control in children with T1D.