Prospective, Parallel-Group Randomised Controlled Trial Evaluating a Flexible Insulin Dose Calculator in Paediatric Type 1 Diabetes Management

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) in children requires intensive insulin therapy and frequent dose adjustments based on carbohydrate intake, glucose levels, and individualised insulin parameters. Although carbohydrate counting is widely practised in paediatric diabetes management, translating these principles into accurate insulin dosing remains complex. Caregivers must integrate insulin-to-carbohydrate ratios, correction factors, pre-meal glucose values, and -when applicable- continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) trend information. This process is prone to calculation errors and variability, which may contribute to suboptimal glycaemic outcomes.

While advanced technologies such as insulin pumps and hybrid closed-loop systems can automate insulin delivery, many children worldwide continue to use multiple daily injections (MDI). For this population, structured digital decision-support tools may help standardise insulin dose calculations and reduce caregiver burden. However, high-quality prospective evidence evaluating such tools in paediatric MDI users remains limited.

This study is a multi-centre, prospective, randomised, open-label controlled trial evaluating the clinical impact of a flexible digital insulin dose calculator in children under 12 years of age with established T1DM managed with MDI and carbohydrate counting. Participants will be stratified according to CGM use and baseline glycaemic control, then randomised to either standard care alone or standard care plus access to the insulin dose calculator for a 6-month period.

The intervention consists of structured training in the use of the digital calculator, which integrates individualised insulin-to-carbohydrate ratios, correction factors, and glucose inputs to generate dosing recommendations. The study will assess whether integration of this tool into routine care improves overall glycaemic control and glycaemic stability compared with standard practice alone. In addition, the study will explore effects on insulin titration patterns, healthcare utilisation, and caregiver experience.

The trial is designed to reflect real-world paediatric diabetes practice across multiple international sites. Data will be collected during routine clinical encounters over a 6-month follow-up period. The findings are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness, feasibility, and scalability of a non-invasive digital decision-support intervention aimed at improving insulin dosing accuracy and supporting families managing paediatric T1DM.