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Over the last years significant advances have been achieved in the development of technologies for diabetes management. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), predictive low glucose management (PLGM), hybrid closed loop (HCL) and advanced hybrid closed loop (AHCL) systems allow better diabetes management, thus reducing the burden of the disease and the risk of chronic complications. This review summarizes the main characteristics of the currently available HCL and AHCL systems and their primary effects in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The findings of trials assessing the glucose control (time in range, HbA1c values, hypoglycemic events), the health-related quality of life and the existing limits of the use of these technologies are reported. The most recent data clearly confirm the ability of the HCL and AHCL insulin delivery systems to safely achieve a significant improvement of glucose control and quality of life in the pediatric population with T1D. Further studies are underway to overcame current barriers and future improvements in the usability of these technologies are awaited to facilitate their use in the routine clinical practice. The HCL and AHCL algorithms are the key features of today's insulin delivery systems that mark a crucial step towards fully automated closed loop systems.

Objective Transient neonatal diabetes mellitus (TNDM) is caused by activating mutations in ABCC8 and KCNJ11 genes (KATP/TNDM) or by chromosome 6q24 abnormalities (6q24/TNDM). We wanted to assess whether these different genetic aetiologies result in distinct clinical features. Design Retrospective analysis of the Italian data set of patients with TNDM. Methods Clinical features and treatment of 22 KATP/TNDM patients and 12 6q24/TNDM patients were compared. Results Fourteen KATP/TNDM probands had a carrier parent with abnormal glucose values, four patients with 6q24 showed macroglossia and/or umbilical hernia. Median age at diabetes onset and birth weight were lower in patients with 6q24 (1 week; −2.27 SD) than those with KATP mutations (4.0 weeks; −1.04 SD) (P = 0.009 and P = 0.007, respectively). Median time to remission was longer in KATP/TNDM than 6q24/TNDM (21.5 weeks vs 12 weeks) (P = 0.002). Two KATP/TNDM patients entered diabetes remission without pharmacological therapy. A proband with the ABCC8/L225P variant previously associated with permanent neonatal diabetes entered 7-year long remission after 1 year of sulfonylurea therapy. Seven diabetic individuals with KATP mutations were successfully treated with sulfonylurea monotherapy; four cases with relapsing 6q24/TNDM were treated with insulin, metformin or combination therapy. Conclusions If TNDM is suspected, KATP genes should be analyzed first with the exception of patients with macroglossia and/or umbilical hernia. Remission of diabetes without pharmacological therapy should not preclude genetic analysis. Early treatment with sulfonylurea may induce long-lasting remission of diabetes in patients with KATP mutations associated with PNDM. Adult patients carrying KATP/TNDM mutations respond favourably to sulfonylurea monotherapy.

Background. Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS-1) with or without reversible metaphyseal dysplasia is a rare genetic disorder due to inactivating variants of the autoimmune regulator, AIRE, gene. Clinical variability of APS-1 relates to pleiotropy, and the general dysfunction of self-tolerance to organ-specific antigens and autoimmune reactions towards peripheral tissues caused by the underlying molecular defect. Thus, early recognition of the syndrome is often delayed, mostly in cases with atypical presentation, and the molecular confirm through the genetic analysis of the AIRE gene might be of great benefit. Methods. Our methods were to investigate, with a multigene panel next generation sequencing approach, two clinical cases, both presenting with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism, also comprising the AIRE gene, as well as to comment our findings as part of a more extensive review of literature data. Results. In the first clinical case, two compound heterozygote pathogenic variants of the AIRE gene were identified, thus indicating an autosomal recessive inheritance of the disease. In the second case, only one AIRE gene variant was found and an atypical dominant negative form of APS-1 suggested, later confirmed by further medical ascertainments. Conclusions. APS-1 might present with variable and sometimes monosymptomatic presentations and, if not recognized, might associate with severe complications. In this context, next generation diagnostics focused on a set of genes causative of partially overlapping disorders may allow early diagnosis.

Objectives To assess the optimal setting of the predictive low glucose management (PLGM) algorithm for preventing exercise-induced hypoglycemia in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Methods Thirty-four adolescents, 15 to 20 years, wearing PLGM system, were followed during 3 days exercise during a diabetes camp. PLGM threshold was set at 70 mg/dL between 8 am and 10 pm and 90 mg/dL during 10 pm and 8 am Adolescents were divided into group A and B, with PLGM threshold at 90 and 70 mg/dL, respectively, during exercise. Time spent in hypoglycemia and AUC for time slots 8 am to 1 pm, 1 to 4 pm, 4 to 11 pm, 11 pm to 3 am, 3 to 8 am, in 3 days were compared between groups by Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results We analyzed 31 patients (median age 15.0 years, 58.1% males, median diabetes duration 7.0 years, hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] 7.1%). No significant difference has been observed in time spent in hypoglycemia between groups using threshold 70 or 90. Time spent in target was similar in both groups, as well as time spent in hypo or hyperglycemia. The trends of blood glucose over the 3 days in the 2 groups over-lapped without significant differences. Conclusions A PLGM threshold of 90 mg/dL during the night was associated with reduced time in hypoglycemia in adolescents doing frequent physical exercise, while maintaining 65.1% time in range during the day. However, a threshold of 70 mg/dL seems to be safe in the duration of the physical exercise. PLGM system in adolescents with type 1 diabetes was effective to prevent hypoglycemia during and after exercise, irrespective of the PLGM thresholds used.

Diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in a child is often associated with anger, denial, fear, and depression from the parents. The aim of the study was to improve parents’ adaptation to the diagnosis of diabetes of their child. Sixty-two parents (29 mothers, 33 fathers) of 36 children with type 1 diabetes (mean age=11.3‐3.3 years; diabetes duration>1 year; HbA1c=57±11 mmol/mol) participated in a three-day educational working group pilot intervention study. Intervention was based on the reexamination of the traumatic event of diagnosis of T1D through spatial and time-line anchorage, retracing of the future, emotional awareness, and interactive discussion. Relaxing technique, diaphragmatic breathing, and guided visualization were used by 2 psychologists and 1 pediatric endocrinologist. The study was approved by EC and participants filled a consent form. At baseline and after intervention, parents filled in a questionnaire including Diabetes-Related Distress (DRD), Parent Health Locus of Control Scale (PHLOC), Parent Stress Index Short Form (PSI-SF), Hypoglycemia Fear Survey-Parents (HFS-P) and Hypoglycemia Fear Survey-Parents of Young Children (HFS-P-YC), and Health Survey Short Form-36 (SF-36). Three months after the intervention, both parents reported a reduction in the “difficult child” subscale of the PSI-SF (p<0.05) and increased scores of social functioning of the SF-36 (p<0.05). DRD score was significantly reduced in mothers (p=0.03), while the “parental distress” subscale of the PSI-SF was significantly improved in fathers (p=0.03). This weekend-based parent group intervention seems to reduce stress and improve social functioning of parents of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Objective To identify the role of the family's socio-economic and clinical characteristics on metabolic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Methods In this cross-sectional, multicentre study, 768 subjects with type 1 diabetes under 18 years of age were consecutively recruited from January 2008 to February 2009. Target condition was considered for HbA1c values

To analyse clinical and socioeconomic factors associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in Italy. Incident cases less than 15 years of age, were recruited during 2014-2016 from 31 paediatric centres. Age, gender, venous pH, presence of coeliac or thyroid disease, HbA1c, minority status, residence, family history of T1D and parents’ level of education were collected. DKA was defined according to ISPAD criteria. Point and 95% CI of DKA frequency were estimated. Two logistic regressions were performed to evaluate the role of clinical and socioeconomic characteristics on the risk of overall and severe DKA, considered as present vs. absent. A total of 1430 cases were evaluable. Severe and mild DKA frequencies were of 12.4% (95% CI: 10.8-14.3%) and 26.4% (95% CI: 24.1-28.7%), respectively. Females, minority status and younger children were at significant higher risk of DKA; family history of T1D and high maternal education were significantly associated with a lower risk. Despite prevention campaigns intended to reduce the DKA recently implemented, the frequency of DKA at T1D diagnosis remains high in Italy. Multiple factors affect the risk of DKA at the onset of type 1 diabetes, suggesting potential opportunity to intervene between symptom onset and development of diabetic ketoacidosis for both parents and clinicians. Factors associated with the risk of DKA at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in Italyoverall DKAsevere DKAOR95%CIpOR95%pAge class5-9 vs. 0-4 y0.660-45-0.970.0330.480.27-0.830.00910-14 vs. 0-4 y0.680.47-1.000.0490.620.36-1.050.073GenderMales vs. females0.730.54-0.980.0370.680.44-1.050.086Mother’s level of educationHigh vs. Low0.760.60-0.950.0170.590.42-0.830.003Family history of T1DNo vs. Yes0.430.22-0.790.0090.360.11-0.920.006Minority statusNo vs. Yes2.051.29-3.270.0021.290.60-2.600.499 Disclosure V. Cherubini: Advisory Panel; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. Research Support; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S, Menarini Group. R. Bonfanti: Advisory Panel; Self; Roche Diabetes Care Health and Digital Solutions, LifeScan, Inc., Abbott, A. Menarini Diagnostics, Eli Lilly and Company, Medtronic, Sanofi-Aventis, Novo Nordisk A/S. E. Skrami: None. L. Ferrito: None. R. Gesuita: None.

Objective To evaluate the association of clinical, metabolic and socioeconomic factors with disordered eating behaviors (DEB) among adolescents with type 1 diabetes screened using the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-R). Methods A cross-sectional, population-based study involved 163 adolescents with type 1 diabetes, aged 11-20 years, recruited from the registry for type 1 diabetes of Marche Region, Italy, who completed the DEPS-R (response rate 74.4%). Clinical characteristics, lipid profile, HbA1c , family profile of education and occupation were evaluated. The Italian version of DEPS-R was validated, and the prevalence of DEB estimated. The association of demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors with DEB was evaluated by multiple correspondence analysis and multiple logistic regression. Results The prevalence of DEPS-R-positive (score ≥20) was 27% (95% CI 17-38) in boys and 42% (95% CI 31-53) in girls. A clinical profile of DEPS-R-positive was identified: overweight, little time spent in physical activity, low socioeconomic status, poor metabolic control, skipping insulin injections. Furthermore, the probability of DEPS-R-positive increased 63% for every added unit of HbA1c , 36% for every added number of insulin injections skipped in a week and decreased about 20% for every added hour/week spent in physical activity. Overweight youth were six times more likely to be DEPS-R-positive. Discussion A specific clinical profile of DEPS-R-positive was identified. A multidisciplinary clinical approach aimed to normalize eating behaviors and enhance self-esteem should be used to prevent the onset of these behaviors, and continuous educational programs are needed to promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles.

Sensor-augmented pumps, which consist of a pump and a continuous glucose monitoring system, offer considerable therapeutic opportunities, despite requiring close attention in the early phase of their use. The aim of this paper is to provide recommendations on the use of a predictive low glucose management (PLGM) system (Minimed 640G™, Medtronic, Northridge, CA, USA) in adolescents with type 1 diabetes either at the start of therapy or during follow-up. Sound clinical recommendations on PLGM are of increasing importance since several recent papers have reported significant clinical improvements in patients with PLGM, especially in adults. These recommendations are based on the experience of a group of pediatric endocrinologists who collaborated to closely and intensively study the on-boarding of adolescent patients with type 1 diabetes on automated systems to gain first-hand experience and peer-to-peer insights in a unique free-living environment. The suggestions provided here are indicative, so can be adapted to the individual realities and experiences of different diabetes centers. However, we believe that close adherence to the proposed scheme is likely to increase the chances of improving the clinical and metabolic outcomes of patients treated with this therapy.

Background Adrenocortical tumors (ACTs) represent less than 0.2% of all childhood neoplasms. Frequent clinical manifestations are virilization, hypercortisolism, and peripheral precocious puberty (PPP). Cases We describe two cases in which ACTs were responsible for virilization (case 1) and PPP (case 2) in prepubertal girls. In both cases an ACT diagnosis was made after 5-6 months from the first appearance of clinical signs. Surgery was performed within 1 month of diagnosis, and the benign nature of tumors was histologically confirmed. Despite complete tumor resection, virilizing features persisted. Summary and Conclusions Adrenocortical tumors should be considered early in the assessment of PPP. There is often a significant delay between the onset of symptoms and accurate diagnosis but early treatment is essential to limit the clinical manifestations of androgen overproduction.

Background: Growth hormone (GH) secretion is increased in pre-pubertal children with type 1 diabetes and GH excess produces insulin resistance. Early-morning insulinopenia contributes to lower insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) levels and to GH hypersecretion. Objective: To evaluate differences in GH/IGF-I axis of pre-pubertal children with type 1 diabetes treated with glargine or detemir as long-acting insulin analogues, which was the main outcome measure, and to compare insulin effects in obtaining good metabolic control. Subjects: Children with type 1 diabetes. Methods: This was a 32-week, randomized, open-label, two-period, cross-over comparison between bedtime glargine and twice-daily detemir insulin, involving pre-pubertal children in care at a diabetes pediatric centre. After a 8-week-run-in period subjects were randomized to bedtime glargine or twice-daily detemir insulin administration. After a 12-week period treatments were inverted and continued for additional 12 weeks. Results: Overall, 15 pre-pubertal children (53.3% males, mean age 8.6±1.5 years, duration of diabetes 4.2±1.5 years) completed the study. Groups did not differ for GH/IGF axis and HbA1c levels. Treatment with glargine was associated with lower fasting glucose values than treatment with detemir (8.1±1.5 vs. 8.2±1.7 mmol/L, p=0.01). Incidence rate of hypoglycemia was not different between insulin treatments (IRR=1.18, 95%CI 1.00–1.38; p=0.07). Detemir treatment was associated with a higher increase in body weight (p=0.008) and height (p=0.02) when compared with glargine. Conclusion: Detemir and glargine not show significant differential effects on the GH/IGFI axis. The greater weight gain and height associated with detemir treatment, apparently not related to the level of pubertal growth, deserve further investigation.