Clinical characteristics of type 1 diabetes mellitus in Taiwanese children aged younger than 6 years: A single-center experience
Journal
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association
Journal Volume
116
Journal Issue
5
Pages
340-344
Date Issued
2017
Author(s)
Abstract
Background/purpose Cases of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children aged younger than 6 years in Taiwan has increased in the past 10 years. This retrospective study aimed to review the management experience of such patients in a single center. Methods From January 2004 to June 2015, 52 newly diagnosed diabetic children younger than 6 years who had regular follow-up for >?1 year were enrolled, as well as 94 older diabetic children for comparison. Their medical records were thoroughly reviewed. Results The most common symptoms and signs were polyuria, polydipsia, dry lips, weight loss, and nocturia. Among the children younger than 6 years, 87% had ketoacidosis upon diagnosis—significantly higher than that of the older age group—and 88% had at least one islet cell?autoantibody detected. Their serum C-peptide levels were significantly lower and the frequency of insulin autoantibodies detected was significantly higher compared with the older age group (37% vs. 10%). The remission rate of the young diabetic patients was significantly lower than that of the older age group (40% vs. 59%), but there was no difference in time of onset and duration of remission between the two groups. Conclusion Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells is an important cause of type 1 diabetes mellitus in Taiwanese children aged younger than 6 years. These patients usually have a low insulin reserve and severe ketoacidosis upon diagnosis. A high index of suspicion in the presence of classic symptoms of diabetes in young children is important to prevent complications. ? 2016
SDGs
Other Subjects
autoantibody; bicarbonate; C peptide; glucagon; glucose; glutamate decarboxylase antibody; hemoglobin A1c; insulin antibody; pancreas islet cell antibody; sodium; autoantibody; C peptide; pancreas islet cell antibody; adolescent; adult; antibody blood level; Article; bicarbonate blood level; carbon dioxide tension; chapped lips; child; clinical feature; comparative study; controlled study; diabetic ketoacidosis; diabetic patient; dyspnea; female; follow up; glucose blood level; hemoglobin blood level; human; insulin blood level; insulin dependent diabetes mellitus; major clinical study; male; medical record review; nocturia; pancreas islet beta cell; polydipsia; polyuria; preschool child; remission; respiratory tract infection; retrospective study; sodium blood level; Taiwanese; weight reduction; age; analysis; blood; body weight loss; complication; diabetic ketoacidosis; insulin dependent diabetes mellitus; lip; nocturia; pathology; polydipsia; polyuria; symptom assessment; Taiwan; Adolescent; Age Factors; Autoantibodies; Blood Glucose; C-Peptide; Child; Child, Preschool; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Diabetic Ketoacidosis; Female; Humans; Lip; Male; Nocturia; Polydipsia; Polyuria; Symptom Assessment; Taiwan; Weight Loss
Publisher
Elsevier B.V.
Type
journal article