Cemeroglu, Ayse PinarCan, ArgunDavis, Alan T.Cemeroglu, OzlemKleis, LoraDaniel, Maala S.Bustraan, Jessica2025-10-242025-10-2420151530-891X1934-2403https://doi.org/10.4158/EP14252.ORhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12899/3904Objective: To assess the prevalence of fear of needles and its effect on glycemic control in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) on multiple daily injections (MDI) or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). Methods: Patients aged 6 to 17 years with T1DM on MDI or CSII (n = 150) were enrolled. All caregivers and patients aged >= 11 years completed a Diabetes Fear of Injecting and Self-testing Questionnaire (D-FISQ). Needle phobia was defined as a score >= 6 for fear of selftesting (FST), fear of injections (FI), and fear of infusionsite changes (FISC). Results: Positive FST scores were noted in 10.0% and positive FI or FISC scores in 32.7% (caregivers' responses). Patients aged 6 to 10 years on CSII had greater fear (FISC) than those on MDI (FI) (P = .010). FST was inversely related to the number of daily blood sugar checks (P = .003). Patients with positive scores for FI/ FISC or FST had significantly higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels than those without. An inverse association was noted between positive FI/FISC scores and age of the patient (P = .029). Based on patient responses, FST severity was directly related to the age of the patient (P = .013). Conclusion: Needle phobia is common in children with T1DM. Although FI/FISC are more common in younger children, especially in those on CSII, FST is more often encountered in older patients. Patients with a more intense fear of needles have higher HbA1c levels and less frequent blood sugar monitoring. Identifying these patients may help improve glycemic control. (Endocr Pract. 2015; 21: 46-53)eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessQuestionnaire; ValidationArticle10.4158/EP14252.OR2114653251003952-s2.0-84921857043Q1WOS:000350032700009Q3