The effect of dietary energy density on glycemic control, sleep quality, and quality of life in adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Aims: Dietary energy density plays a significant role in the development of chronic diseases; however, studies examining the effects of dietary energy density on individuals with type 1 diabetes are limited in the literature. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary energy density on glycemic control, quality of life, and sleep quality in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Methods: The study included 112 adolescents (56 boys, 56 girls) aged 13-18 years with type 1 diabetes. HbA1c values were measured, anthropometric measurements were taken, and three-day retrospective food intake records were collected. Dietary energy densities (DED) were calculated and assigned to tertiles. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PEDSQLTM) Diabetes Module Version 3.0 report for adolescents aged 13-18 years was used to assess quality of life. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to evaluate sleep quality. Results: As dietary energy density increased, the PSQI score increased (p=0.003), HbA1c levels increased (7.8±1.00 in the first tertile; 9.8±2.29 in the third tertile) (p