Online school staff training improved type 1 diabetes knowledge and confidence

Moderate confidence

high bias

Last updated May 15, 2026

Key takeaway:

In a pre-post study of 436 Italian school staff, a 1-hour synchronous online psychoeducational session improved type 1 diabetes knowledge, confidence in diabetes management, and recognition of hypoglycemia symptoms immediately after training.

Study at a glance

What was studied

A 1-hour synchronous online psychoeducational program for school staff on type 1 diabetes.

Study type

non-randomized clinical trial (non-RCT or NRCT)

duration

Short-Term (≤3 mo)

Intervention

T1D education

Outcomes

Type 1 diabetes knowledge score, Perceived diabetes management competence, Hypoglycemia sign recognition, Diabetes-related misconceptions

Funding

Non-industry sponsored

Main effects

↑ Type 1 diabetes knowledge score increased from 9.66 to 10.32/11

↑ Self-perceived diabetes management ability increased (d=0.99)

↑ Ability to recognize hypoglycemia symptoms improved (d=0.97)

Evidence Suggest

A brief synchronous online psychoeducational session can improve short-term diabetes literacy among school staff
Staff confidence-related outcomes improved alongside objective knowledge score gains
Findings support school-health collaboration models but need confirmation with controlled long-term studies

Who this applies to

School staff members (teachers, principals, and nonteaching personnel) in schools attended by children with type 1 diabetes, primarily in Southern Italy.

Keep in Mind

The intervention was short and measured only immediate effects. Results may not reflect sustained behavior change. Because schools volunteered and staff self-selected participation, findings may overrepresent people already motivated to learn about diabetes care.

Between the Lines

No control group, so causal inference is limited
Outcomes measured immediately post-session without long-term retention data
High noncompletion rate from enrollment to paired analysis
Several outcomes are self-reported and may be affected by social desirability

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Journal Reference

Caldarelli G, Troncone A, Chianese A, et al. Evaluation of the Impact of a Psychoeducational Program on Type 1 Diabetes in Italian Schools: A Pre-Post Study. J Sch Health. 2026;96(5):e70141. doi:10.1111/josh.70141

Sources

Ranked by clinical relevance and evidence quality.

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Key References

Most relevant evidence and guidance related to this research.

Guideline

Episode 59: Early Detection of Type 1 Diabetes | American Association of Clinical Endocrinology

This podcast discusses the growing prevalence of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), the importance of autoantibody screening, the different stages of T1D, screening guidelines, patient counseling, and how early intervention can help delay progression and reduce complications.

Guideline

ISPAD Position Statement on Type 1 Diabetes in Schools

The ISPAD position statement outlines international recommendations for integrating children with type 1 diabetes in school settings, including staff education and emergency response readiness, which aligns with this intervention's goals.

Guideline

Episode 41: AACE Clinical Case Report on Wolfram Syndrome | American Association of Clinical Endocrinology

Listen to podcast episode 41 to learn about a clinical case report on two patients with Wolfram syndrome who were initially diagnosed with type 1 diabetes but negative for islet autoantibodies. Key topics include the importance of distinguishing between Wolfram syndrome and type 1 diabetes, the significance of the homozygous vs. compound heterozygous pathogenic variants in WFS1 gene, how the management and treatment for Wolfram syndrome differs from that of type 1 diabetes, the current status of therapeutic interventions, and much more.

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