Screen Time and its Impact on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors among Children and Youth with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

Introduction: Excessive screen time (ST) is a major sedentary behavior in children, raising concerns about cardiometabolic health. Children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) may be especially vulnerable. This study assessed associations between ST, adiposity, and cardiometabolic risk in youth with T1D. Methods: A cross-sectional study on 511 children and youth (2-21 years) with T1D attending a tertiary hospital in Western India collected demographic, clinical, dietary, activity, and self-reported ST data. Anthropometry, body composition, blood pressure; biochemical markers were measured using standardized methods. Results: Nearly half (48%) reported ST ≥2 h/day. Boys with higher ST had greater fat percentage, fat mass, fat Z-scores, and systolic BP. Girls with higher ST showed greater fat percentage and fat mass, with strong correlations to systolic BP. Conclusion: Prolonged ST is linked to adverse adiposity and BP outcomes in youth with T1D, underscoring the need for lifestyle counselling in diabetes care.