SeminewHanna Yirdaw2026-11-132026-11-132026-07-22https://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/9622Background: One common long-term metabolic condition is diabetes mellitus (DM). One unique biochemical feature of this illness is elevated blood sugar levels. The term "diabetes mellitus" refers to a complex metabolic disorder in which an individual has persistently high blood sugar due to a malfunction in the production or secretion of insulin. Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between glycemic control and dietary habits in kids and teenagers with type 1 diabetes. Methodology: The current study was conducted using a cross-sectional study design that involved a hospital-based approach between October, 2025 and January, 2026 G.C among patients in the follow-up clinics for diabetic children of the Tikur Anbessa specialized hospital. Sample size calculation was done by using a single population proportion formula with 95% confidence level and 5% precision which resulted in 129 respondents. The collected data was first analyzed using excel, and then entered to SPSS version 27 for data analysis. Both bivariable and multivariable linear regression analysis were used. All variables were considered in bivariable linear regression analysis while those with p-values <0.2 were considered for multivariable linear regression analysis. Results; The study involved a sample size of 129 subjects who were aged between 10 and 18 years. They accounted for 77.5% of the total sample population. Majority (93%) of the patients dwelled in urban settings. The nutritional state of most of the participants was within acceptable limits with 89.1% being well-nourished. However, their glycemic control was not satisfactory, evident in the higher average HbA1c (10.25 ± 2.35%). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that poor adherence to diet, low education level of care-givers, and reduced frequency of insulin administration were predictors of increased HbA1c levels. Other variables like age, disease duration, and exposure to glycemic index were not associated independently with HbA1c. Conclusion: Many children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes visiting Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital are faced with inadequate glycemic control. This condition is highly influenced by modifiable risk factors such as dietary intake, insulin administration, and educational level of the care providers. Despite the general adequacy of the nutritional status among those affected, the study revealed problems in diabetic-related dietary intake and insufficient patient empowerment. These results imply the necessity of specific actions towards improving dietary knowledge among patients and their caregivers, as well as enhancing diabetesenThesis