Trends in the prevalence of ketoacidosis at diabetes diagnosis: the SEARCH for diabetes in youth study

12. Children and Adolescents: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2018

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

2. Classification and Diagnosis of Diabetes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2018

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

A survey of youth with new onset type 1 diabetes: Opportunities to reduce diabetic ketoacidosis

OBJECTIVE

Pediatric patients in Colorado with new onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) increased from 29.9% to 46.2% from 1998 to 2012. The purpose of this study was to compare differences between patients with newly diagnosed T1D who presented in DKA with those who did not across three domains: sociodemographic factors, access to medical care, and medical provider factors, aiming to identify potential targets for intervention.

METHODS

Sixty-one patients <17 years of age with T1D duration <6 months completed the questionnaire. Groups were compared using Fisher's exact test or the Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS

Parents of 28% of patients researched their child's symptoms on the Internet prior to diagnosis. At the first healthcare visit for symptoms of T1D, 23% were not diagnosed. There were no significant differences between groups (DKA vs non-DKA) in demographics, first healthcare setting for T1D symptoms, provider type at first visit or at diagnosis, insurance status, or specific barriers to care. DKA patients had a longer interval between previous well visit to diagnosis (median 172 vs 263 days, P = 0.01). Non-DKA patients were more likely to have blood glucose measured at P = 0.02, and had fewer symptoms prior to (P = 0.01) the first visit for diabetes symptoms. Parents of non-DKA patients were more likely to be familiar with symptoms of diabetes (P < 0.001) and to suspect diabetes (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Targets for campaigns to prevent DKA include increasing provider glucose and ketone testing, increasing public knowledge about diabetes, and understanding how socio-demographic factors may delay T1D diagnosis.

Clinical characteristics, beta-cell dysfunction and treatment outcomes in patients with A-β+ Ketosis-Prone Diabetes (KPD): The first identified cohort amongst Asian Indians

OBJECTIVE

Ketosis-prone diabetes (KPD), an atypical form of diabetes, has emerged as a heterogeneous syndrome in multiple ethnic groups. The objectives of this study were to look into the clinical characteristics of adult Asian Indian patients with recently diagnosed, antibody negative diabetes presenting with unprovoked ketoacidosis (A-β+ KPD) and to determine the natural course of recovery of beta-cell functions on serial follow-up over one year.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Newly diagnosed adult diabetes patients (n=11) with suspected KPD (A-β+) were prospectively studied over a period of 1-year with serial evaluations of clinical, biochemical and beta-cell secretion characteristics. These were compared with a control group (n=23) of KPD (A+β-) (classical Type 1A diabetes) with similar presentation. Beta-cell secretion was assessed by fasting and stimulated C-peptide values after a standard mixed meal challenge. Glycaemic control and treatment outcomes were also documented.

RESULTS

In comparison to the A+β- KPD controls, the A-β+ KPD patients had a significantly older age, higher BMI, stronger family history of type 2 diabetes, more severe ketoacidosis and higher fasting and stimulated C-peptide level at presentation. On serial follow-up, the patients with KPD achieved complete recovery of their beta-cell function with remission from insulin-dependence within 3-4months without further recurrences of DKA.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first reported series of A-β+ KPD from India. The phenotype of Indian A-β+ KPD patients differs from their Western counterparts in that they are relatively younger and leaner, though the male preponderance and natural history of recovery of beta-cell dysfunction bears similarity.

Utilisation of prehospital emergency medical services for hyperglycaemia: A community-based observational study

AIMS

This study examines prehospital Emergency Medical Service (EMS) utilisation and patterns of demand for hyperglycaemia management, including characteristics of individuals and factors related to hospital transport.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A state-wide, community-based observational study of all patients requiring prehospital EMS for hyperglycaemia during a 7 year study period (Jan 2009-Dec 2015) using electronic data from the Ambulance Victoria data warehouse was conducted. Pre-specified variables related to patient demographics, comorbidities, examination findings, paramedic treatment and transport outcomes were obtained. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with transport to hospital.

RESULTS

There were 11,417 cases of hyperglycaemia attended by paramedics during the study period, accounting for 0.3-0.4% of the total annual EMS caseload, and equating to 0.54 attendances per 100 people with diabetes in the state of Victoria, Australia, per year. There was a significant increase in annual utilisation, with a rate ratio of 1.62 between 2009 (2.42 cases per 10,000 population) and 2015 (3.91 cases per 10,000 population). Fifty-one percent of cases had type 2 diabetes, 37% had type 1 diabetes, 4% had diabetes with the type unspecified and 8% had no recorded history of diabetes. Ninety percent of cases were transported to hospital. Factors associated with increased odds of transport to hospital included no known history of diabetes, regional/rural locations, case time between 0600 and <1800 hours, increasing number of comorbidities and increasingly unstable vital sign observations.

CONCLUSION

There is substantial utilisation of prehospital EMS for hyperglycaemia. With increased population prevalence of diabetes predicted, further research on opportunities for prevention, as well as optimal management in the prehospital environment is warranted.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus care and education in China: The 3C study of coverage, cost, and care in Beijing and Shantou

AIMS

The paucity of data on Type 1 diabetes in China hinders progress in care and policy-making. This study compares Type 1 diabetes care and clinical outcomes in Beijing and Shantou with current clinical guidelines.

METHODS

The 3C Study was a cross-sectional study of the clinical practices and outcomes of people with Type 1 diabetes. The study sequentially enrolled 849 participants from hospital records, inpatient wards, and outpatient clinics. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews with patients and health professionals, the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities, medical records, and venous blood samples. Care was audited using ISPAD/IDF indicators. Data underwent descriptive analysis and tests for association.

RESULTS

The median age was 22years (IQR=13-34years), and 48.4% of the sample had diabetes less than six years. The median HbA1c was 8.5% (69mmol/mol) (IQR 7.2-10.5%), with significant regional variance (p=0.002). Insulin treatment was predominantly two injections/day (45% of patients). The highest incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis was 14.4 events/100 patient years among adolescents. Of the 57.3% of patients with LDL-C>2.6mmol/L, only 11.2% received treatment. Of the 10.6% considered hypertensive, 47.1% received treatment. Rates of documented screening for retinopathy, nephropathy, and peripheral neuropathy were 35.2%, 42.3%, and 25.0%, respectively. The median number of days of self-monitoring/week was 3.0 (IQR=1.0-7.0). There were significant differences in care practices across regions.

CONCLUSIONS

The study documented an overall deficit in care with significant regional differences noted compared to practice guidelines. Modifications to treatment modalities and the structure of care may improve outcomes.

Recognizing type 1 diabetes mellitus in children & adolescents

The common chief complaint of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting should prompt a broad differential diagnosis list. When a 17-year-old previously healthy male presented to a primary care clinic with these symptoms, it provoked a detailed workup and found a startling diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). This article provides an overview of recognizing T1DM in children and adolescents with a thorough and diagnostic evaluation.

Type 2 diabetes in adolescents: a severe phenotype posing major clinical challenges and public health burden

Type 2 diabetes in adolescence manifests as a severe progressive form of diabetes that frequently presents with complications, responds poorly to treatment, and results in rapid progression of microvascular and macrovascular complications. Although overall still a rare disease, adolescent type 2 diabetes now poses major challenges to paediatric and adult diabetes services in many countries. Therapeutic options are heavily curtailed by a dearth of knowledge about the condition, with low numbers of participants and poor trial recruitment impeding research. Together with lifestyle modification, metformin remains the first-line therapy for adolescents with type 2 diabetes, although the majority rapidly progress to treatment failure and insulin therapy. Early bariatric surgery is controversial but has great potential to transform outcomes. Health systems must respond by both concentrating patients in specialist clinical services integrated with translational research programmes, but also by joining up with local health and social care services to improve engagement and uptake of services.

Heart-Type Fatty Acid Binding Protein Level as a Tool in Identification of Early Cardiac Effects of Diabetic Ketoacidosis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to measure the serum levels of heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) in patients presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and diabetic ketosis (DK) and to determine its role in identifying early-period cardiac ischemia.

METHODS

This prospective study included 35 patients diagnosed with DKA, 20 patients diagnosed with DK, and 20 control subjects. H-FABP, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and troponin I levels were investigated at presentation in patients with DKA and DK and in the control group. H-FABP values were measured again after acidosis correction in the DKA patients.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were found with respect to troponin I and CK-MB within the groups. The H-FABP values of DKA patients at presentation were found to be significantly higher than those of DK patients and the control group (p=0.015). The H-FABP value of the DKA group was also found to be significantly higher than the value at hour 36 after acidosis correction (p=0.0001).

CONCLUSION

We would like to propose H-FABP as a potential marker for indicating myocardial ischemia.

Subcutaneous regular insulin for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis in children

BACKGROUND

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) treatment protocols vary, however low-dose intravenous administration of regular insulin is the standard care for replacing insulin in most centers. Few studies, the majority in adults, demonstrated subcutaneous injection of rapid-acting insulin every 1-2 hours to be a valid alternative.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous regular insulin administered every 4 hours in pediatric DKA in a clinical setting.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted. Charts of all children treated with subcutaneous regular insulin for DKA and pH ≥ 7.0, between 2007 and 2010, were reviewed. Seventy-six DKA episodes in 52 patients were included. Data regarding clinical characteristics, response to treatment, and the occurrence of complications were analyzed. DKA episodes in patients with new-onset diabetes and in those with established diabetes were compared.

RESULTS

Mean age was 11.6 ± 4.0 yr. Eighteen episodes occurred in children with new-onset diabetes. In all episodes, our protocol resulted in recovery from DKA. Median time to DKA resolution (pH > 7.30, HCO3 > 15) was 10.3 (5.5, 14.2) h. The median total insulin dose was 0.05 (0.04, 0.06) (unit/kg/h). During DKA treatment, hypoglycemia occurred in one episode and hypokalemia, mostly mild, was documented in 14. No cardiac arrhythmias, incidents of cerebral edema, or mortality occurred.

CONCLUSION

Subcutaneous regular insulin administered every 4 hours is an effective and safe alternative for the insulin treatment of DKA with pH > 7.0 in children. Such treatment has the potential to simplify insulin administration when compared to either intravenous regular insulin or q1-2 hour subcutaneous rapid insulin and reduce both patient inconvenience and admission costs.

Management of Hyperglycemic Crises: Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) are the most serious and life-threatening hyperglycemic emergencies in diabetes. DKA is more common in young people with type 1 diabetes and HHS in adult and elderly patients with type 2 diabetes. Features of the 2 disorders with ketoacidosis and hyperosmolality may coexist. Both are characterized by insulinopenia and severe hyperglycemia. Early diagnosis and management are paramount. Treatment is aggressive rehydration, insulin therapy, electrolyte replacement, and treatment of underlying precipitating events. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of hyperglycemic emergencies.

Serum Levels of Neuron-Specific Enolase in Children With Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Neuron-specific enolase is a sensitive marker of neuronal damage in various neurologic disorders. This study aimed to measure serum neuron-specific enolase levels at different time points and severities of diabetic ketoacidosis. This study included 90 children (age 9.2 ± 3.4 years) with diabetic ketoacidosis. Neuron-specific enolase was measured at 3 time points (baseline and after 12 and 24 hours of starting treatment). Among patients, 74.4% had diagnosis of new diabetes, 60% had Glasgow Coma Scale score <15, and 75.6% had moderate/severe diabetic ketoacidosis. Compared with controls (n = 30), children with diabetic ketoacidosis had higher neuron-specific enolase levels at the 3 time points ( P = .0001). In multiple regression analysis, the factors associated with higher neuron-specific enolase levels were younger age, higher glucose, lower pH, and bicarbonate values. This study indicates that serum neuron-specific enolase is elevated in diabetic ketoacidosis and correlated with the severity of hyperglycemia, ketosis, and acidosis. This study indicates that diabetic ketoacidosis may cause neuronal injury from which the patients recovered partially but not completely.

Circulating matrix metalloproteinases in children with diabetic ketoacidosis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) mediate blood-brain barrier dysfunction in inflammatory disease states. Our objective was to compare circulating MMPs in children with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) to children with type 1 diabetes mellitus without DKA.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a prospective study performed at five tertiary-care pediatric hospitals. We measured plasma MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9 early during DKA (time 1; within 2 h of beginning intravenous fluids) and during therapy (time 2; median 8 h; range: 4-16 h). The primary outcome was MMP levels in 34 children with DKA vs. 23 children with type 1 diabetes without DKA. Secondary outcomes included correlations between MMPs and measures of DKA severity.

RESULTS

In children with DKA compared with diabetes controls, circulating MMP-2 levels were lower (mean 77 vs. 244 ng/mL, p < 0.001), MMP-3 levels were similar (mean 5 vs. 4 ng/mL, p = 0.57), and MMP-9 levels were higher (mean 67 vs. 25 ng/mL, p = 0.002) early in DKA treatment. MMP-2 levels were correlated with pH at time 1 (r = 0.45, p = 0.018) and time 2 (r = 0.47, p = 0.015) and with initial serum bicarbonate at time 2 (r = 0.5, p = 0.008). MMP-9 levels correlated with hemoglobin A1c in DKA and diabetes controls, but remained significantly elevated in DKA after controlling for hemoglobin A1c (β = -31.3, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating MMP-2 levels are lower and MMP-9 levels are higher in children during DKA compared with levels in children with diabetes without DKA. Alterations in MMP expression could mediate BBB dysfunction occurring during DKA.

Risk factors and predictors of uncontrolled hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Jeddah, western Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Little is known about levels of glycemic control and risk factors for uncontrolled hyperglycemia in Saudi children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The aim of the present study was to identify levels of glycemic control, risk factors and predictors of uncontrolled hyperglycemia (HG) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children with T1DM.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed on Saudi children and adolescents with confirmed T1DM who were followed at the Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic of the Maternity and Children Hospital, Jeddah, from 2000 to 2014. Data collection included all possible factors that may be associated with uncontrolled T1DM. Patients were classified according to American Diabetes Association guidelines for target HbA1c levels per age group. Comparisons were made between well-controlled (WC) patients, HG patients, and DKA patients. Calculation of odds ratios and logistic regression allowed for estimation of the role of each risk factor in uncontrolled T1DM.

RESULTS

Only 31.2 % of children and adolescents with T1DM were well controlled. Better glycemic control was associated with age < 6 years, urban residence, and T1DM duration <5 years. Glycemic control was not affected by gender, insulin therapy, or comorbidities. The most significant independent predictors of hyperglycemia and DKA were poor compliance with a healthy lifestyle (adjusted hazards ratio [AHR] 28.94; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 8.37-100.04) and an excess intake of sweets (AHR 3.31; 95 % CI 1.54-7.11).

CONCLUSION

The most significant independent predictor for poor glycemic control (particularly DKA rather than hyperglycemia) in Saudi children and adolescents was poor compliance with a healthy lifestyle with an excessive intake of sweets.

Clinical Characteristics of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Children with Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is one of the most serious acute complications of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children with T1D. This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence and associated factors of DKA in children with newly diagnosed T1D in Addis Ababa.

METHODS

A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted in selected hospitals in Addis Ababa. Children below the age of 12 years with DKA who were admitted to the pediatric ward in the selected hospitals between January 2009 and December 2014 and the residence of Addis Ababa were included. DKA was defined as children below the age of 12 years who have blood glucose level ≥250mg/dl, ketonuria, and ketonemia and diagnosed being T1D patient for the first time. Descriptive statistics was performed using frequency distribution, mean, median, tables, and graphs. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent factors associated with the prevalence of DKA in children with newly diagnosed T1D.

RESULTS

Of 395 DKA patients who were hospitalized during the five-year period, 142(35.8%) presented with DKA at first diagnosis of diabetes. On the other hand 253 (64.2%) children with DKA had longstanding T1D. Independent factors associated with DKA include: Age category 2-4.49years, 7-9.49 years and ≥9.5years (Adjusted odd ratio (AOR) = 3.14[1.21,8.06]), 3.44(1.39,8.49) and 4.02(1.68,9.60), respectively); parents' knowledge on the sign and symptoms of DKA (AOR = 0.51[0.27, 0.95]); sign and symptoms of DKA before the onset of DKA (AOR = 0.35[0.21, 0.59]) and infection prior to DKA onset (AOR = 3.45[1.97, 6.04]).

CONCLUSIONS

The overall proportion of children diagnosed with DKA and new onset of T1D in Addis Ababa was high. In particular, children between 9-12 years of age and children whose parents did not know the sign and symptoms of DKA had a high risk of DKA at primary diagnosis of T1D.

Ethnic differences in early glycemic control in childhood-onset type 1 diabetes

Some ethnic minorities with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have worse glycemic control (higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1_c)) and increased risk for vascular complications. There is limited evidence on the impact of ethnicity on early glycemic control when most patients experience transient remission postdiagnosis. We examined associations between ethnicity and longitudinal HbA1_c trajectories during the first 6 months postdiagnosis in a multiethnic cohort in East London.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data on 443 (50% female) children <19 years of age, with T1D and attending one of three clinics in East London between January 2005 and December 2015 were included. Linear mixed-effects modeling was used to assess ethnic differences in longitudinal HbA1_c trajectories during the first 6 months postdiagnosis (1,028 HbA1_c data points), adjusting for sex, age at diagnosis, socioeconomic status and pH at diagnosis. Growth curve modeling was used to plot discrete HbA1_c trajectories by ethnicity.

RESULTS

Longitudinal modeling revealed that all ethnic minorities had higher mean HbA1_c at diagnosis compared with White children and highest in Bangladeshi (9.7 mmol/mol, 95% CI 5.1 to 14.3), Asian-Other (5.8 mmol/mol, 95% CI 2.2 to 9.3) and Somali (5.2 mmol/mol, 95% CI 0.1 to 10.2) children, and these differences persisted over the 6-month period after diagnosis. During the first month, HbA1_c decreased on average by 19.6 mmol/mol (95% CI -21 to -18) for all children. Population averaged HbA1_c decreased between diagnosis and 4 months, followed by a gradual increase in HbA1_c levels (mean difference of -30 mmol/mol between diagnosis and 6 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Ethnic minorities present with higher HbA1_c at diagnosis, with the largest mean differences observed in Bangladeshi, Asian-Other and Somali children. These higher levels (indicating poorer glycemic control) track into the first 6 months postdiagnosis.

HbA1c as a Screening tool for Ketosis in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Ketosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is overlooked due to atypical symptoms. The objective of this study is to evaluate the value of hemoglobin A_1c (HbA_1c) as a screening tool for ketosis in T2DM patients. This retrospective study consisted of 253 T2DM patients with ketosis at Shanghai 10th People’s Hospital during a period from January 1, 2011 to June 30, 2015. A control group consisted of 221 T2DM patients without ketosis randomly selected from inpatients during the same period. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to examine the sensitivity and specificity of HbA_1c as an indicator for ketosis. Higher HbA_1c levels were correlated with ketosis. In patients with newly diagnosed T2DM, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.832, with 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.754–0.911. The optimal threshold was 10.1% (87 mmol/mol). In patients with previously diagnosed T2DM, the AUC was 0.811 (95% CI: 0.767–0.856), with an optimal threshold of 8.6% (70 mmol/mol). HbA_1c is a potential screening tool for ketosis in patients with T2DM. Ketosis is much more likely with HbA_1c values at ≥10.1% in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM and HbA_1c values at ≥8.6% in patients with previously diagnosed T2DM.

High frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in Italian children: a nationwide longitudinal study, 2004-2013

This longitudinal population-based study analyses the frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at type 1 diabetes diagnosis in Italian children under 15 years of age, during 2004-2013. DKA was defined as absent (pH ≥ 7.30), mild/moderate (7.1 ≤ pH < 7.30) and severe (pH < 7.1). Two multiple logistic regression models were used to evaluate the time trend of DKA frequency considered as present versus absent and severe versus absent, adjusted for gender, age group and geographical area of residence at diagnosis. Overall, 9,040 cases were ascertained. DKA frequency was 40.3% (95%CI: 39.3-41.4%), with 29.1% and 11.2% for mild/moderate and severe DKA, respectively. Severe DKA increased significantly during the period (OR = 1.03, 95%CI: 1.003-1.05). Younger-age children and children living in Southern Italy compared to Central Italy were at significantly higher risk of DKA and severe DKA. Family history of type 1 diabetes and residence in Sardinia compared to Central Italy were significantly associated with a lower probability of DKA and severe DKA. The high frequency of ketoacidosis in Italy over time and high variability among age groups and geographical area of residence, strongly suggests a continuing need for nationwide healthcare strategies to increase awareness of early detection of diabetes.

Challenges in diagnosis and management of diabetes in the young

The prevalence of diabetes in children and adolescents is increasing worldwide, with profound implications on the long-term health of individuals, societies, and nations. The diagnosis and management of diabetes in youth presents several unique challenges. Although type 1 diabetes is more common among children and adolescents, the incidence of type 2 diabetes in youth is also on the rise, particularly among certain ethnic groups. In addition, less common types of diabetes such as monogenic diabetes syndromes and diabetes secondary to pancreatopathy (in some parts of the world) need to be accurately identified to initiate the most appropriate treatment. A detailed patient history and physical examination usually provides clues to the diagnosis. However, specific laboratory and imaging tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis. The management of diabetes in children and adolescents is challenging in some cases due to age-specific issues and the more aggressive nature of the disease. Nonetheless, a patient-centered approach focusing on comprehensive risk factor reduction with the involvement of all concerned stakeholders (the patient, parents, peers and teachers) could help in ensuring the best possible level of diabetes control and prevention or delay of long-term complications.

Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: A multicenter registry study in Guangdong, China

BACKGROUND

A lack of demographic and clinical data hinders efforts of health care providers in China to support patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). Therefore, the aim of the present retrospective study was to provide an overview of the demographic and clinical characteristics of Chinese patients with T1D.

METHODS

Hospital medical records of patients with T1D (diagnosed between January 2000 and December 2011) in 105 secondary and tertiary hospitals across Guangdong province were reviewed. Data were collected on patient age at diagnosis, presentations at onset, physical examination, and diabetes management.

RESULTS

In all, 3173 patients diagnosed with T1D between January 2000 and December 2011 were included in the study (46.2% female). The median age at diagnosis was 27.5 years (interquartile range [IQR] 18.0-38.0) years and the median body mass index (BMI) at onset was 19.6 kg/m² (IQR 17.4-21.8 kg/m² ). Among adult patients, 0.9% were obese, 6.6% were overweight, 62.3% were normal weight, and 30.3 % were underweight. The prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at onset was 50.1%. The proportion of patients with retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy was 8.1%, 20.7 %, and 11.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The adult-onset form of T1D is not rare in China. The registry participants were characterized by older age at onset, lower BMI, and a higher prevalence of DKA at onset compared with those in regions with a high incidence of T1D, such as northern Europe. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the heterogeneity of T1D in different populations and so will help healthcare providers to develop management models that are more suitable for these patients.

Clinical presentation and memory function in youth with type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

While cerebral edema and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) have well-described acute effects on cognition, little is known about the impact of clinical presentation on longer term cognitive outcomes. We hypothesized that clinical factors (degree of hyperglycemia exposure and DKA) at the time of diagnosis would relate to cognition within 3.5 months later in children with T1DM.

METHODS

Cognitive testing was performed on children 7-17 years old with T1DM (n = 66) within 3.5 months of diagnosis and siblings without T1DM (n = 33). Overall intelligence, processing speed, and memory (including a sensitive long-delay spatial memory test; spatial delayed response or SDR) were assessed. Medical records were reviewed for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), DKA status, and other clinical factors at diagnosis.

RESULTS

Within the group with T1DM, 17 children presented in DKA and 49 did not. After adjusting for age, gender, and socioeconomic status, the subgroup with T1DM and DKA at diagnosis performed worse on the long-delay SDR task compared to sibling controls (p = 0.006). In addition, within the group with T1DM, higher HbA1c at diagnosis was associated with worse performance on the long-delay SDR task (p = 0.027). Performance on the other cognitive tasks was not different across groups or subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

DKA and degree of hyperglycemia exposure at diagnosis have implications for long-delay spatial memory function within 3.5 months of diagnosis. These findings suggest that early detection of T1DM, which decreases risk for prolonged exposure to hyperglycemia and DKA, may avoid negative effects on memory function.

Characteristics of maturity onset diabetes of the young in a large diabetes center

Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a monogenic form of diabetes caused by a mutation in a single gene, often not requiring insulin. The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency and clinical characteristics of MODY at the Barbara Davis Center. A total of 97 subjects with diabetes onset before age 25, a random C-peptide ≥0.1 ng/mL, and negative for all diabetes autoantibodies (GADA, IA-2, ZnT8, and IAA) were enrolled, after excluding 21 subjects with secondary diabetes or refusal to participate. Genetic testing for MODY 1-5 was performed through Athena Diagnostics, and all variants of unknown significance were further analyzed at Exeter, UK. A total of 22 subjects [20 (21%) when excluding two siblings] were found to have a mutation in hepatocyte nuclear factor 4A (n = 4), glucokinase (n = 8), or hepatocyte nuclear factor 1A (n = 10). Of these 22 subjects, 13 had mutations known to be pathogenic and 9 (41%) had novel mutations, predicted to be pathogenic. Only 1 of the 22 subjects had been given the appropriate MODY diagnosis prior to testing. Compared with MODY-negative subjects, the MODY-positive subjects had lower hemoglobin A1c level and no diabetic ketoacidosis at onset; however, these characteristics are not specific for MODY. In summary, this study found a high frequency of MODY mutations with the majority of subjects clinically misdiagnosed. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for MODY in youth with antibody-negative diabetes.

Ketoacidosis at first presentation of type 1 diabetes mellitus among children: a study from Kuwait

We examined the frequency and severity of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in 679 children and adolescents (0-14 years) at diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) in Kuwait. Between 1(st) January 2011 and 31(st) December 2013, all newly diagnosed children with diabetes were registered prospectively in a population-based electronic register. DKA was diagnosed using standard criteria based on the levels of venous pH and serum bicarbonate. At the time of diagnosis, mild/moderate DKA was present in 24.8% of the children, while severe DKA was present in 8.8%. Incidence of ketoacidosis was significantly higher in young children less than 2 (60.7% vs 32.4% p = <0.005) compared to children 2-14 years old, and a higher proportion presented with severe DKA (21.4% vs 8.3% p = <0.05). No association was seen with gender. Significant differences were found in the incidence of DKA between Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti children (31.1% vs 39.8%; p < 0.05). Family history of diabetes had a protective effect on the occurrence of DKA (OR = 0.44; 95% CI = 0.27-0.71). Incidence of DKA in children at presentation of T1DM remains high at 33.6%. Prevention campaigns are needed to increase public awareness among health care providers, parents and school teachers in Kuwait.

Evaluation of the correlation between type 1 diabetes and cognitive function in children and adolescents, and comparison of this correlation with structural changes in the central nervous system: a study protocol

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM) affects nearly 15 million children worldwide and failure to achieve and maintain good glycaemic control in this group can lead to diabetes-related complications. Children with T1DM can experience impairment in cognitive function such as memory, attention and executive function. This study is designed to evaluate the correlation between diabetes and cognitive dysfunction as well as to clarify whether this correlation can be linked to neurological structural changes in 6-11-year-old children with diabetes.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

310 eligible children with diabetes will be divided into two groups based on glycaemic control according to their HbA1c index. The control group will include 150 children aged 6-11 without diabetes. The following parameters will be measured and investigated: duration of the disease since diagnosis, required daily insulin dose, frequency of insulin administration, hospital admissions due to diabetes, hypoglycaemic episodes during the last year, and episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis. The following components of cognitive function will be evaluated: memory, attention, executive function, decision-making and academic performance. Cognitive function and subsequent subtests will be assessed using Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) tools. Brain structural indices such as intracranial vault (ICV), as well as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), ventricle, hippocampus, total intracranial, total brain, grey matter and white matter volume will be measured using MRI. ANOVA, correlational tests (Spearman) and regression models will be used to evaluate the hypothesis.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study is approved by the ethics committee of the Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute (EMRI) of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) under reference number 00300. Our findings are to be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated both electronically and in print.

Risk factors for recurrent admissions with diabetic ketoacidosis: a case-control observational study

AIM

To perform a detailed analysis of patients with recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis admissions in order to establish risk factors for readmission.

METHODS

The medical records of all adults and young people (> 15 years) with Type 1 diabetes admitted to Auckland City Hospital over a 15-year period from 1997 to 2011 with a primary diagnosis of ketoacidosis were analysed. Patients readmitted with ketoacidosis within 5 years of their index admission were identified and compared with patients without ketoacidosis readmission who were matched for age, gender, ethnicity and duration of diabetes.

RESULTS

A total of 268 patients accounted for a total of 412 admissions. In all, 58 patients had more than one admission for diabetic ketoacidosis during this period. Of these, 40 patients readmitted with diabetic ketoacidosis were compared with matched control subjects (n = 40) who had only one admission for diabetic ketoacidosis. The mean ± sd age of the cohort was 31 ± 12 years. The readmission group had more severe diabetic ketoacidosis and poorer glycaemic control. Alcohol abuse was commonly noted in both groups, with insulin dose omission being the main contributor to the development of ketoacidosis. Both groups had high rates of clinic non-attendance. There were no other differences noted between the groups.

CONCLUSION

When patients with recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis were matched for age, duration of diabetes, gender and ethnicity with patients who had only one admission for diabetic ketoacidosis, few differences were noted. This makes designing intervention strategies to reduce readmission with diabetic ketoacidosis difficult.

Profound hypokalemia associated with severe diabetic ketoacidosis

Hypokalemia is common during the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA); however, severe hypokalemia at presentation prior to insulin treatment is exceedingly uncommon. A previously healthy 8-yr-old female presented with new onset type 1 diabetes mellitus, severe DKA (pH = 6.98), and profound hypokalemia (serum K = 1.3 mmol/L) accompanied by cardiac dysrhythmia. Insulin therapy was delayed for 9 h to allow replenishment of potassium to safe serum levels. Meticulous intensive care management resulted in complete recovery. This case highlights the importance of measuring serum potassium levels prior to initiating insulin therapy in DKA, judicious fluid and electrolyte management, as well as delaying and/or reducing insulin infusion rates in the setting of severe hypokalemia.

Implementation of a Diabetes Educator Care Model to Reduce Paediatric Admission for Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Introduction. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication that can be life-threatening. Management of DKA needs admission in a specialized center and imposes major constraints on hospital resources. Aim. We plan to study the impact of adapting a diabetes-educator care model on reducing the frequency of hospital admission of children and adolescents presenting with DKA. Method. We have proposed a model of care led by diabetes educators for children and adolescents with diabetes. The team consisted of highly trained nurses. The model effectiveness is measured by comparing the rate of hospital admission for DKA over 4-year period to the baseline year prior to implementing the model. Results. There were 158 admissions for DKA over a 5-year period. Number of patients followed up in the outpatient diabetes clinics increased from 37 to 331 patients at the start and the end of the study years. Admission rate showed a downward trend over the five-year period. Percentage of admission for DKA is reduced from 210% to 1.8% (P 0.001). Conclusion. Diabetes educator care model is an effective and a sustainable measure to reduce hospital admission for DKA in children and adolescents.

High Frequency of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Children with Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis in children and adolescents with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes in 2006-2007 and 2013-2014.

METHOD

The study group consisted of 426 children aged 0-18 years with type 1 diabetes onset admitted to our hospital in 2006-2007 (group A) and 2013-2014 (group B). The study comprised the analysis of medical and laboratory records from patients' medical charts and the electronic database.

RESULTS

There was no difference between groups A and B in the percentage of children admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (25% versus 28%, resp., P = 0.499). Among children with diabetic ketoacidosis, severe metabolic decompensation (pH < 7.1) appeared in similar frequency in groups A and B (28% versus 30%, resp., P = 0.110). In group B, children with diabetic ketoacidosis were statistically younger compared to patients without ketoacidosis (P = 0.015) and had higher HbA1c levels (P = 0.006). In both groups, a 2-fold increase in diabetic ketoacidosis was noted in children under the age of 3, compared to overall frequency.

CONCLUSION

No decrease in diabetic ketoacidosis has been noted in the recent years. Although the prevalence and severity of diabetic ketoacidosis remain stable, they are unacceptably high. The youngest children are especially prone to ketoacidosis.

Ketoacidosis at diagnosis in childhood-onset diabetes and the risk of retinopathy 20years later

AIMS

To investigate on the relationship between severity of ketoacidosis, an important risk factor for C-peptide preservation, and long-term microvascular complications in childhood-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

METHODS

230 childhood-onset diabetic patients (177 pre-pubertal), aged 7.0±3.8years followed for at least 15years after their diagnosis, were enrolled. Clinical and laboratory data at diagnosis, and C-peptide levels in a subset of patients, were compared with the severity of retinopathy and nephropathy, after a mean of 19.6±3.8years of disease. Digital retinal photographs were taken in all patients, and centrally graded. Repeated measurements of HbA1c and microalbuminuria for the whole duration of diabetes were collected in over half of the cases.

RESULTS

Out of 230 patients, those with the lowest age at diagnosis had the most severe DKA and clinical conditions (p<0.05), and lower C-peptide levels (p<0.0001) at diagnosis. There was a significant relationship between pH and clinical severity (r=-0.783, p<0.0001), and between pH and C-peptide levels (r=0.278, p<0.05). The severity of ketoacidosis had no relationship with subsequent lifetime HbA1c values and long-term microvascular complications. In logistic regression analysis, the only variables that independently influenced severity of retinopathy were lifetime HbA1c (B=0.838, p<0.001), duration of disease (B=0.208, p<0.005) and age at diagnosis (B=0.116, p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The degree of metabolic derangement at diagnosis is not associated with retinopathy and nephropathy in childhood-onset T1DM. Age at diagnosis seems to be an important variable to be considered when evaluating the long-term effects of residual beta-cell function.

A Multicenter Retrospective Survey regarding Diabetic Ketoacidosis Management in Italian Children with Type 1 Diabetes

We conducted a retrospective survey in pediatric centers belonging to the Italian Society for Pediatric Diabetology and Endocrinology. The following data were collected for all new-onset diabetes patients aged 0–18 years: DKA (pH < 7.30), severe DKA (pH < 7.1), DKA in preschool children, DKA treatment according to ISPAD protocol, type of rehydrating solution used, bicarbonates use, and amount of insulin infused. Records (n = 2453) of children with newly diagnosed diabetes were collected from 68/77 centers (87%), 39 of which are tertiary referral centers, the majority of whom (n = 1536, 89.4%) were diagnosed in the tertiary referral centers. DKA was observed in 38.5% and severe DKA in 10.3%. Considering preschool children, DKA was observed in 72%, and severe DKA in 16.7%. Cerebral edema following DKA treatment was observed in 5 (0.5%). DKA treatment according to ISPAD guidelines was adopted in 68% of the centers. In the first 2 hours, rehydration was started with normal saline in all centers, but with different amount. Bicarbonate was quite never been used. Insulin was infused starting from third hour at the rate of 0.05–0.1 U/kg/h in 72% of centers. Despite prevention campaign, DKA is still observed in Italian children at onset, with significant variability in DKA treatment, underlying the need to share guidelines among centers.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors and euglycemic ketoacidosis: Wisdom of hindsight

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) are newly approved class of oral anti-diabetic drugs, in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, which reduces blood glucose through glucouresis via the kidney, independent, and irrespective of available pancreatic beta-cells. Studies conducted across their clinical development program found, a modest reduction in glycated hemoglobin ranging from -0.5 to -0.8%, without any significant hypoglycemia. Moreover, head-to-head studies versus active comparators yielded comparable efficacy. Interestingly, weight and blood pressure reduction were additionally observed, which was not only consistent but significantly superior to active comparators, including metformin, sulfonylureas, and dipeptydylpeptide-4 inhibitors. Indeed, these additional properties makes this class a promising oral anti-diabetic drug. Surprisingly, a potentially fatal unwanted side effect of diabetic ketoacidosis has been noted with its widespread use, albeit rarely. Nevertheless, this has created a passé among the clinicians. This review is an attempt to pool those ketosis data emerging with SGLT-2i, and put a perspective on its implicated mechanism.

Incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus during 26 years of observation and prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis in the later years

The prevalence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) varies greatly between countries. However, over the past several decades, a global rise in the incidence of T1D in the pediatric population has been noted. The aim of our study was to investigate the incidence of T1D in children living in the Lesser Poland during the period of time from January 1, 1987, to December 31, 2012, and to analyze the demographic characteristics and occurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in patients with newly diagnosed T1D in the second part of the study (2006-2012). During 26 years, 636 children (331 boys, 305 girls) aged 0-14 years were newly diagnosed with T1D (0-4 years old, n = 131; 5-9 years old, n = 253, 10-14 years old, n = 252). The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) ranged significantly (p < 0.001) from 5.2/100,000/year in 1987 to 21.9/100,000/year in 2012. The highest SIR was observed in age group 5-9 years old (21.2) and the lowest in 0-4 years old (8.8). There was no association with sex or living in urban or rural area. On admission, DKA was diagnosed in 22.4 % of patients. There were no significant differences relating to the presence of DKA (p = 0.912) in subsequent years.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of T1D among children is increasing rapidly with the highest SIR in the 5-9 years old age group. DKA is still an important problem in the pediatric population.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• The incidence of pediatric type 1 diabetes mellitus in Europe is increasing. The initial manifestation of the type 1 diabetes mellitus is diabetic ketoacidosis. What is New: • This is the longest (26 years) continuous analysis of the incidence of type 1 diabetes in Poland and the first analysis focused on the incidence rate and also on presence of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Staging presymptomatic type 1 diabetes: a scientific statement of JDRF, the Endocrine Society, and the American Diabetes Association

Insights from prospective, longitudinal studies of individuals at risk for developing type 1 diabetes have demonstrated that the disease is a continuum that progresses sequentially at variable but predictable rates through distinct identifiable stages prior to the onset of symptoms. Stage 1 is defined as the presence of β-cell autoimmunity as evidenced by the presence of two or more islet autoantibodies with normoglycemia and is presymptomatic, stage 2 as the presence of β-cell autoimmunity with dysglycemia and is presymptomatic, and stage 3 as onset of symptomatic disease. Adoption of this staging classification provides a standardized taxonomy for type 1 diabetes and will aid the development of therapies and the design of clinical trials to prevent symptomatic disease, promote precision medicine, and provide a framework for an optimized benefit/risk ratio that will impact regulatory approval, reimbursement, and adoption of interventions in the early stages of type 1 diabetes to prevent symptomatic disease.

Defining pathways for development of disease-modifying therapies in children with type 1 diabetes: a consensus report

Emerging data suggest that type 1 diabetes is a more aggressive disease in children than in adults, with important differences in pathophysiology and clinical course. Therefore, the efficacy of disease-modifying therapies may be different in the two populations. Understanding the developmental and regulatory pathways for type 1 diabetes-modifying therapies in children will enable industry, academia, funders, advocacy groups, and regulators to translate new science to clinical care. This consensus report characterizes the fundamental differences in type 1 diabetes between children and adults and proposes a thoughtful approach to better understand the development and regulatory pathways for type 1 diabetes therapies.

General population screening for type 1 diabetes: has its time come?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review was to describe the potential for general childhood population-based screening of risk of symptomatic type 1 diabetes (T1D) RECENT FINDINGS: The earliest stages of T1D can be identified and risk and rate of progression to symptomatic disease can be estimated by the presence of multiple islet autoantibodies and glucose intolerance (dysglycemia) in individuals screened for risk. Screening for human leukocyte antigen risk genotypes in neonates with follow-up detection of islet autoantibodies in childhood has been explored. An alternative approach of general childhood population-based detection of autoantibodies at well child visits provides an approach to detect a high proportion of children who will develop T1D. The Fr1da study was launched in Bavaria in 2015 to explore this concept.

SUMMARY

General childhood population-based screening for risk of T1D will allow detection of an at-risk population that can participate in natural history studies to better understand disease pathogenesis and intervention trials to prevent symptomatic disease and will provide a framework for public health-based prevention of childhood-onset T1D.

Preventing Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). This article examines the factors associated with DKA in children with T1DM, both at first presentation and in recurrent cases. The challenge for future research is to find effective ways to improve primary care physician and general community awareness of T1DM to reduce DKA at presentation and develop practical, cost-effective programs to reduce recurrent DKA.