All-cause mortality in a nationwide cohort of childhood-onset diabetes in Norway 1973-2013

Early increase in carotid intima-media thickness in women with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes compared with healthy peers: the Norwegian Atherosclerosis and Childhood Diabetes study

INTRODUCTION

The risk of cardiovascular disease is increased in individuals with type 1 diabetes, despite good glycemic control. This study aims to evaluate early signs of atherosclerosis and predisposing factors in individuals with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes compared with healthy controls.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The Atherosclerosis and Childhood Diabetes study is a prospective population-based cohort study with follow-up every fifth year. The cohort consists of 329 subjects with type 1 diabetes and 173 controls. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) was measured at baseline and 5 and 10 years of follow-up. Data from the Norwegian Childhood Diabetes Registry were used in assessment of traditional risk factors.

RESULTS

Mean cIMT in young women with type 1 diabetes increased significantly over a 10-year period compared with healthy controls (∆0.019 mm (0.001-0.035), p=0.035). At the 10-year follow-up the group with type 1 diabetes had a mean age of 24.2±2.9 years (13.7±2.8 years at baseline), diabetes duration of 15.6±3.4 years (5.4±3.3 years at baseline) and HbA1c of 8.2±3.6% (66±16 mmol/mol) (8.4±3.4% (68±13 mmol/mol) at baseline). Women with type 1 diabetes had significantly higher mean weight, body mass index, waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and apolipoprotein B, while men with type 1 diabetes had significantly higher mean DBP and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio compared with the control group. Mean cIMT change over time was not associated with long-term HbA1c or LDL-cholesterol burden in childhood and adolescence.

CONCLUSION

Young women with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes of relatively short diabetes duration had a higher mean cIMT over a 10-year period compared with their healthy female controls, with values similar to males.

All-cause mortality and factors associated with it in Finnish patients with type 1 diabetes

AIMS

To assess the effect of comorbidities, risk classification for chronic kidney disease (CKD) according to albuminuria and eGFR, HbA1c and LDL-cholesterol levels on all-cause mortality in patients with type 1 diabetes (DM1).

METHODS

The study included all 45,801 DM1 patients from the Finnish Diabetes Registry during 2018-2022. Mortality of patients with DM1 was compared with mortality in non-diabetic population in Finland by estimating standardized mortality rates (SMRs). Poisson regression model was used to estimate the effect of risk factors on the SMR.

RESULTS

A total of 2469 patients died during follow-up. SMR for the total cohort was 1.84 (95 % CI 1.77-1.92) peaking at the age of 30-49 years. The coverage of HbA1c values was 98 %, that of LDL-cholesterol 94 %, and U-ACR and eGFR 80 %. In a multivariate analysis, assessing the effect on mortality, the rate ratio for end-stage renal disease was 2.66, cardiovascular diseases 1.92, mental and behavioural disorders 1.64, foot complications 1.51, high or very high risk for CKD 3.64, LDL-cholesterol ≥2.6 mmol/l 1.33, and HbA1c ≥8 % (64 mmol/mol) 1.27.

CONCLUSIONS

There's substantial excess mortality due to DM1 in Finland. Interventions should focus on addressing both renal and cardiovascular risk factors but also pay more attention to mental health.

Single nucleotide polymorphism rs7961894, platelet morphological parameters and lipid profile in children with type 1 diabetes: a potential relationship

Increased cardiovascular risk has been associated with certain platelet morphological parameters, and several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been reported to be linked. Still, little is known about their role among children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). So, we aimed to investigate platelet parameters and lipid profile changes in relation to rs7961894 SNP in children with T1DM. Eighty children with T1DM and eighty apparently healthy controls participated in this cross-sectional study. Platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), plateletcrit (PCT), HbA1c, triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were measured, and atherogenic indices were calculated. Using a real-time polymerase chain allelic discrimination technique, rs7961894 SNP was genotyped. Children with T1DM had significantly higher MPV, PDW, TC, and LDL-C compared to controls. 25% of patients had rs7961894 CT genotype with significantly higher MPV, PDW, PCT, LDL-C, triglycerides, Castelli's risk index II (CRI II), and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) compared to CC genotyped patients. MPV correlated significantly with CRI II and AIP, PDW with CRI II, while PCT correlated substantially with HbA1c, LDL-C, CRI II, and AIP. rs7961894 CT genotype was a significant dependent predictor of the changes in MPV, PDW, and PCT in multivariate regression analysis.Conclusion: In children with T1DM, rs7961894 CT genotype is significantly linked to MPV, PDW, and PCT changes, which showed a substantial relationship to CRI II and AIP, highlighting the importance of monitoring these patients to identify potential cardiovascular risks early. What is Known: • Platelets and dyslipidemia are involved in atherosclerosis pathogenesis • Changes in platelet activity and morphological parameters in diabetes mellitus are contradictory • rs7961894 single nucleotide polymorphism is associated with significant changes in mean platelet volume (MPV) with no available data in children What is New: • Children with type 1 diabetes mellitus exhibited significantly higher values of MPV and platelet distribution width (PDW) • rs7961894 CT genotype was a dependent predictor of the changes in MPV, PDW, and plateletcrit (PCT) values • Diabetic children with the rs7961894 CT genotype showed substantial alterations in lipid parameters with a strong correlation between MPV, PDW, and PCT and Castelli's risk index II and the atherogenic index of plasma.

Persisting mortality gap in systemic lupus erythematosus; a population-based study on juvenile- and adult-onset SLE in Norway 1999-2022

OBJECTIVE

To estimate mortality and survival rates of SLE in a contemporary, population-based setting and assess potential influences by time, sex, ethnicity, classification criteria and age at diagnosis.

METHODS

We assessed mortality and survival in the Nor-SLE cohort, which includes all chart review-confirmed SLE cases resident in Southeast Norway (population 2.9 million) 1999-2017. Study end was at death, emigration or 1 October 2022. We defined juvenile SLE by age <16 years at diagnosis. For standardized mortality rate (SMR) estimates, we applied 15 population controls per case, all matched for age, sex, residency and ethnicity. We analysed survival by Kaplan-Meier and risk factors by Cox regression.

RESULTS

The Nor-SLE cohort included 1558 SLE cases, of whom 749 were incident and met the 2019 EULAR and ACR (2019-EA) classification criteria. SMR was increased to 1.8 (95% CI 1.6-2.2) in incident adult-onset SLE but did not differ between females and males. Survival rates at 5, 10, 15 and 20 years were lower in incident adult-onset SLE than in matched controls. In multivariable analysis, LN associated with decreased survival, while sex did not. Separate, long-term mortality analyses in the total Nor-SLE cohort showed that SMR peaked at 7.2 (95% CI 3.3-14) in juvenile-onset SLE (n = 93) and fell gradually by increasing age at SLE diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

This study shows persistence of a mortality gap between adult-onset SLE and controls at population level and provides indications of worryingly high mortality in juvenile-onset SLE.

Complications during Adolescence Predict Mortality in Young Adults with Childhood Onset Type 1 Diabetes

Objective

Microvascular complications increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death in adults with type 1 diabetes. We examined the association between microvascular complications during adolescence, including cardiac autonomic nerve dysfunction and subsequent mortality. Research Design and Methods. We undertook data linkage with the Australian National Death Index in a cohort of 409 adolescents (diagnosed between 1973 and 1993), 48% male, median age at final complications assessment 17.4 years (interquartile range: 16.0-18.9), followed longitudinally for median 22.3 years (21.0-23.4) from diagnosis. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to examine associations between mortality and adolescent complications. Mortality risk was calculated as standardized mortality ratio (SMR).

Results

At final adolescent visit, 20% had CAN abnormality, 30% abnormal pupillary response, 20% albuminuria, 40% early elevation of albumin excretion rate (AER) and 45% retinopathy. Data linkage 8-13 years later showed 14 were deceased (3% of cohort), 57% male, median age 28.3 years (24.8-32.9). Acute or chronic diabetes complications accounted for 25% of deaths. In multivariable GEE, elevated AER (OR 4.54, 1.23-16.80, p=0.030), pupillary abnormality (OR 4.27, 1.20-15.22, p=0.023), systolic blood pressure SDS (OR 2.17, 1.26-3.74, p=0.005) and CAN (OR 4.65, 1.03-21.0, p=0.045) predicted mortality. HbA1c was not significant. SMR was 2.5 (1.4-4.2) and was higher in females (SMR 3.5, 1.3-7.8) but not in males (SMR 2.1, 0.9-4.0).

Conclusion

Mortality in young adults with type 1 diabetes is predicted by subclinical markers of autonomic neuropathy and elevated AER during adolescence, but not glycemia. Mortality was over twice that of the background population in females but not in males.

Excess Mortality in an Inception Cohort of Childhood Diabetes Diagnosed 1990-2010

Objective

Evaluate the mortality risk of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes compared to the general population. Research Design and Methods. The study population, identified from the Australasian Paediatric Endocrinology Group diabetes register, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age < 16 in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, from 1990 to 2010. The register was linked to National Death Index registrations to ascertain timing and cause of death up to 31/12/2022. Risk factors for mortality were assessed using multivariable Cox regression models and observed mortality rate compared to "expected" rates in the Australian general population using indirect-standardized mortality ratios (SMR), overall and by sex and age at diagnosis. Diabetes-related cause of death categories were identified.

Results

Of 5,417 children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, 157 subsequently died, with all-cause mortality of 1.37/1,000 person years. Increased mortality risk was associated with living in most disadvantaged areas (aHR 1.81 (1.05, 3.11)) but not living in a rural area. Overall SMR was 2.83 (95% CI 2.40, 3.33) with females having higher SMR than males (4.18 vs. 2.19). Most common causes of death recorded were acute diabetes complications (26%), including diabetes ketoacidosis, accident/misadventure (21%), and chronic diabetes complications (15%). Alcohol and/or drug use contributed to 17% of deaths.

Conclusion

Compared to the general population, higher risk of mortality in people with type 1 diabetes was associated with female sex and living in area of socioeconomic disadvantage. Education about minimizing risk-taking behaviors should be communicated to young adults with type 1 diabetes.

Diabetes duration or age at onset and mortality in insulin-dependent diabetics: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This meta-analysis was conducted given the contradictory findings from studies on the influence of diabetes duration or age at onset on mortality in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).

METHODS

Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and CINHAL) were comprehensively searched to identify relevant studies until October 31, 2022. All of the selected articles contained statistics on hazard ratios, relative risks (RRs), or odds ratios, or data for estimating the association between diabetes duration or age at onset and total mortality in IDDM patients. Regardless the heterogeneity assessed by the I² statistic, pooled RRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for total mortality were acquired via random effect meta-analysis with inverse variance weighting.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis finally included 19 studies involving 122, 842 individuals. Both age at onset and diabetes duration were positively associated with an increased mortality rate in IDDM patients. Specifically, the pooled RRs for age at onset and diabetes duration were 1.89 (95%CI 1.43-2.50) and 1.89 (95%CI 1.16-3.09) respectively. Subgroup analyses revealed that only prepubertal onset was associated with a greater survival advantage than pubertal or postpubertal onset.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this meta-analysis and systematic review suggest that a later age at onset or longer diabetes duration is associated with increased risk of total mortality in IDDM patients. However, this conclusion shall be interpreted with caution due to the possibility of residual confounding and be confirmed in the future by well-designed studies.

Long-term and recent trends in survival and life expectancy for people with type 1 diabetes in Finland

AIMS

Type 1 diabetes has been associated with a significant reduction in life expectancy. Major advances in treatment of type 1 diabetes have been associated with improved survival. However, life expectancy for type 1 diabetes under contemporary care is not known.

METHODS

Health care registers were used to obtain data on all people with type 1 diabetes in Finland in 1964-2017 and their mortality in 1972-2017. Survival analyses were used to study long-term trends in survival and abridged period life table methods to calculate life expectancy estimates. Causes of death were examined to consider development.

RESULTS

Study data included 42,936 persons with type 1 diabetes and 6,771 deaths. Kaplan-Meier curves showed improved survival during the study period. In 2017, the remaining life expectancy at the age of 20 for a person diagnosed for type 1 diabetes was estimated to be 51.64 (95% CI: 51.51, 51.78) years which was 9.88 (9.74, 10.01) years lower than for the general Finnish population.

CONCLUSIONS

We found improved survival among persons with type 1 diabetes during the last decades. However, their life expectancy remained significantly below that of the general Finnish population. Our results call for further innovations and improvements in diabetes care.

Evaluation of the Impact of Glycemic Control on Mean Platelet Volume and Platelet Activation in Children with Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

The studies evaluating cases with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the adult population reported hyperreactive platelets and increased activation of prothrombotic factors, resulting in an increased risk of thrombosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of poor glycemic control and the duration of diabetes on platelet parameters in pediatric population.

METHODS

The study included 366 children, out of which 144 (39.3%) were included in the T1DM group and 222 (60.6%) in the healthy control group. The platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width and plateletcrit values were recorded. The children with T1DM were divided into three groups as per their glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, good (<7.5%), moderate (7.5-9%) and poor metabolic control (>9%).

RESULTS

No significant difference in the MPV level between the T1DM (7.41 ± 1.49 fl) and control (7.15 ± 1.23 fl) groups was observed. However, the MPV levels were significantly higher in the poor glycemic control group than in the healthy control group (p = 0.026). Furthermore, as the duration of diabetes and HbA1c levels increased, the MPV levels also increased (p < 0.001, p = 0.441).

CONCLUSION

This study suggested as the duration of diabetes and HbA1c levels increased, the MPV levels also increases. Evaluation of hematological parameters can be a cheap and useful method in the evaluation of diabetes regulation in patients with diabetes.

Overall and Cause-Specific Mortality in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Taiwan From 1998 Through 2014

Background

To investigate all-cause and cause-specific mortality in Taiwanese patients with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

A cohort of 17,203 patients with type 1 diabetes were identified from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance claims in the period of 1998–2014. Person-years were accumulated for each individual from date of type 1 diabetes registration to date of death or the last day of 2014. Age, sex, and calendar year standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated with reference to the general population.

Results

In up to 17 years of follow-up, 4,916 patients died from 182,523 person-years. Diabetes (30.15%), cancer (20.48%), circulatory diseases (13.14%), and renal diseases (11.45%) were the leading underlying causes of death. Mortality rate (26.93 per 1,000 person-years) from type 1 diabetes in Taiwan was high, the cause of death with the highest mortality rate was diabetes (8.12 per 1,000 person-years), followed by cancer (5.52 per 1,000 person-years), and circulatory diseases (3.54 per 1,000 person-years). The all-cause SMR was significantly elevated at 4.16 (95% confidence interval, 4.04–4.28), with a greater all-cause SMR noted in females than in males (4.62 vs 3.79). The cause-specific SMR was highly elevated for diabetes (SMR, 16.45), followed by renal disease (SMR, 14.48), chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis (SMR, 4.91) and infection (SMR, 4.59). All-cause SMRs were also significantly increased for all ages, with the greatest figure noted for 15–24 years (SMR, 8.46).

Conclusions

Type 1 diabetes in both genders and all ages was associated with significantly elevated SMRs for all-cause and mostly for diabetes per se and renal disease.

The impact of psychological aspects, age, and BMI on eating disorder psychopathology among adult males and females with type 1 diabetes

This study investigated correlates of eating disorder (ED) psychopathology among adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). A total of 282 males (n = 112) and females (n = 170) with T1D (18–79 years) participated. Overall, psychological aspects (i.e. illness perceptions, coping strategies, insulin beliefs, anxiety, and depression) were associated with ED psychopathology. Associations were generally stronger among females than males. In a regression model, age, BMI, personal control, and anxiety explained 51% of the variance in ED psychopathology among females, whereas BMI, personal control, and anxiety explained 47% of the variance among males. Greater clinical awareness of health psychological aspects may contribute to reduce the risk of developing ED.

The DISABKIDS generic and diabetes-specific modules are valid but not directly comparable between Denmark, Sweden, and Norway

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Government guidance promote benchmarking comparing quality of care including both clinical values and patient reported outcome measures in young persons with type 1 diabetes. The aim was to test if the Nordic DISABKIDS health-related quality of life (HrQoL) modules were construct valid and measurement comparable within the three Nordic countries.

METHODS

Data from three DISABKIDS validation studies in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway were compared using Rasch and the graphical log-linear Rasch modeling. Monte Carlo methods were used to estimate reliability coefficient and target was defined as the point with the lowest SE of the mean. Self-report data were available from 99 Danish (8-18 years), 103 Norwegian (7-19 years), and 131 Swedish (8-18 years) young people.

RESULTS

For the DISABKIDS higher scores on most subscales were noted in the Norwegian population. The Swedish sample had a significantly higher score on the "Diabetes treatment" subscale and scores closer to optimal target than the other countries. For each country, construct validity and sensitivity were acceptable when accounting for differential item function (DIF) and local dependency (LD). Less LD and DIF were found if only Denmark and Norway were included. The combined model was reliable; however, some differences were noted in the scale translations relating to the stem and response alternatives, which could explain the discrepancies.

CONCLUSION

The Nordic versions of the DISABKIDS questionnaires measures valid and reliable HrQoL both within and between countries when adjusted for DIF and LD. Adjusting the Likert scales to the same respond categories may improve comparability.

Poor metabolic control in childhood strongly correlates to diabetes-related premature death in persons <30 years of age-A population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

The importance of metabolic control in childhood regarding excess risk of death in young persons has not been well studied. This registry-based study aimed to investigate mortality rates and cause of death related to metabolic control in young persons (≤29 years) in Sweden with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

All 12 652 subjects registered in the Swedish pediatric diabetes quality register, from 2006 to 2014, were included. Data were merged with the Swedish Cause of Death Register. Standardized mortality rates were calculated using the official Swedish population register.

RESULTS

Of 68 deaths identified, 38.2% of the deaths were registered as being due to diabetes whereof the major cause of death was acute complications. Overall standardized mortality ratio was 2.7 (2.1-3.4, 95% CI). Subjects who died from diabetes had a mean HbA1c of 74 ± 19 mmol/mol (8.9 ± 1.7%) during childhood vs 62 ± 12 mmol/mol (7.8 ± 1.1%) in those still alive (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this nationwide cohort of young subjects with type 1 diabetes, there was a high mortality rate compared to the general population. Mean HbA1c in childhood was significantly higher in those who died from diabetes, compared to subjects who were still alive. To decrease mortality in young persons with type 1 diabetes it is essential not only to achieve but also to maintain a good metabolic control during childhood and adolescence.

Non-invasive assessment of coronary endothelial function in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus using isometric handgrip exercise-MRI: A feasibility study

Background

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in children and adolescents is associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Early detection of vascular dysfunction is key to patient management yet current assessment techniques are invasive and not suitable for pediatric patient populations. A novel approach using isometric handgrip exercise during magnetic resonance imaging (IHE-MRI) has recently been developed to evaluate coronary endothelial function non-invasively in adults. This project aimed to assess endothelium-dependent coronary arterial response to IHE-MRI in children with T1DM and in age matched healthy controls.

Materials and methods

Healthy volunteers and children with T1DM (>5 years) were recruited. IHE-MRI cross-sectional coronary artery area measurements were recorded at rest and under stress. Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) were assessed for comparison. Student’s t-tests were used to compare results between groups.

Results and discussion

Seven children with T1DM (3 female, median 14.8 years, mean 14.8 ± 1.9 years) and 16 healthy controls (7 female, median 14.8 years, mean 14.2 ± 2.4 years) participated. A significant increase in stress-induced cross-sectional coronary area was measured in controls (5.4 mm² at rest to 6.39 mm² under stress, 18.8 ± 10.7%, p = 0.0004). In contrast, mean area change in patients with T1DM was not significant (7.17 mm² at rest to 7.59 mm² under stress, 10.5% ± 28.1%, p = n.s.). There was no significant difference in the results for neither PWV nor CIMT between patients and controls, (5.3±1.5 m/s vs.4.8±0.7 m/s and 0.4±0.03mm vs.0.46 mm ± 0.03 respectively, both p = n.s.).

Conclusions

Our pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of using a totally non-invasive IHE-MRI technique in children and adolescents with and without T1DM. Preliminary results suggest a blunted endothelium-dependent coronary vasomotor function in children with T1DM (>5 years). Better knowledge and new methodologies may improve surveillance and care for T1DM patients to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Hospitalization and mortality by diabetes mellitus in children: analysis of temporal series

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the trend of hospitalization rates and mortality due to Diabetes Mellitus in children and adolescents in Brazil. Method: temporal series study, hospitalization rates and diabetes mortality in children and adolescents. Data were obtained from the Hospital Information System and Mortality Information System, from 2005-2015, with analysis performed by polynomial regression modeling. Results: 87,100 hospitalizations and 1,120 deaths from diabetes were analyzed. Hospitalizations rates increased for both genders and all age groups, with an increase for adolescents aged 10-14 years. The mortality rate declined, except for the 15-19-year age group. In the overall mortality trend in Brazil, the South and Southeast showed a decrease, whereas for hospitalizations only the Center-West remained constant, while the others increased. Conclusion: however, there was a decrease in infant mortality and increase in hospitalizations.

Young adult patients with type 1 diabetes have a higher risk of mortality than those of similar age with type 2 diabetes: A nationwide analysis in Hungary

BACKGROUND

There are few papers comparing complications of type 1 diabetes with those of a similarly young age with type 2 diabetes. The aim of our nationwide study was to compare the risks of mortality and morbidities between the two types of diabetes (age ≤ 40).

METHODS

We identified all young adult patients with type 1 diabetes who were recorded in the database of the Hungarian National Health Insurance Fund between 2001 and 2014 (n = 11 863) and compared them with a population of similar age with young adult type 2 diabetes (n = 47 931). The incidence of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, any type of cancer, diabetic ketoacidosis, and hypoglycemia was followed from the onset of diabetes to the date of death or end of study period.

RESULTS

The risks of all-cause mortality were significantly higher in patients with type 1 compared with patients with type 2 diabetes (hazard ratio, 95%CI; 2.17, 1.95-2.41; P < .0001). The risks of myocardial infarction (0.90, 0.71-1.13; P = 0.36) and stroke (1.06, 0.87-1.29; P = .582) were not significantly different in type 1 compared with type 2. In contrast, the risk of cancer (1.35, 1.15-1.59; P = .0003), dialysis (2.20, 1.76-2.75; P < .0001), hypoglycemia (7.70, 6.45-9.18; P < .0001), and ketoacidosis (22.12, 19.60-25.00; P < .0001) was higher among patients with type 1 compared with those with type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

A comparatively higher incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis and hypoglycemia and higher risk of cancer and dialysis in patients with type 1 diabetes than in those with type 2 may play a role in the higher risk of mortality.

A multiparameter model for non-invasive detection of hypoglycemia

OBJECTIVE

Severe hypoglycemia is the most serious acute complication for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Approximately 25% of people with T1D have impaired ability to recognize impending hypoglycemia, and nocturnal episodes are feared.

APPROACH

We have investigated the use of non-invasive sensors for detection of hypoglycemia based on a mathematical model which combines several sensor measurements to identify physiological responses to hypoglycemia. Data from randomized single-blinded euglycemic and hypoglycemic glucose clamps in 20 participants with T1D and impaired awareness of hypoglycemia was used in the analyses.

MAIN RESULTS

Using a sensor combination of sudomotor activity at three skin sites, ECG-derived heart rate and heart rate corrected QT interval, near-infrared and bioimpedance spectroscopy; physiological responses associated with hypoglycemia could be identified with an F1 score accuracy up to 88%.

SIGNIFICANCE

We present a novel model for identification of non-invasively measurable physiological responses related to hypoglycemia, showing potential for detection of moderate hypoglycemia using a wearable sensor system.

Educational and Health Outcomes of Children Treated for Type 1 Diabetes: Scotland-Wide Record Linkage Study of 766,047 Children

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to determine the association between childhood type 1 diabetes and educational and health outcomes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Record linkage of nine Scotland-wide databases (diabetes register, dispensed prescriptions, maternity records, hospital admissions, death certificates, annual pupil census, school absences/exclusions, school examinations, and unemployment) produced a cohort of 766,047 singleton children born in Scotland who attended Scottish schools between 2009 and 2013. We compared the health and education outcomes of schoolchildren receiving insulin with their peers, adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

The 3,330 children (0.47%) treated for type 1 diabetes were more likely to be admitted to the hospital (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 3.97, 95% CI 3.79-4.16), die (adjusted HR 3.84, 95% CI 1.98-7.43), be absent from school (adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.34, 95% CI 1.30-1.39), and have learning difficulties (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.19, 95% CI 1.03-1.38). Among children with type 1 diabetes, higher mean HbA_1c (particularly HbA_1c in the highest quintile) was associated with greater absenteeism (adjusted IRR 1.75, 95% CI 1.56-1.96), increased school exclusion (adjusted IRR 2.82, 95% CI 1.14-6.98), poorer attainment (adjusted OR 3.52, 95% CI 1.72-7.18), and higher risk of unemployment (adjusted OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.05-3.85).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with type 1 diabetes fare worse than their peers in respect of education and health outcomes, especially if they have higher mean HbA_1c. Interventions are required to minimize school absence and ensure that it does not affect educational attainment.

Disturbed eating, illness perceptions, and coping among adults with type 1 diabetes on intensified insulin treatment, and their associations with metabolic control

This study investigated associations between psychological aspects and metabolic control among adults with type 1 diabetes ( n = 282). Linear regression analyses demonstrated that the illness perception personal control and the coping strategy seeking emotional social support explained 23.2 percent of the variance in hemoglobin A1c among females ( β = 0.40, p < 0.001 and β = −0.22, p < 0.01, respectively). Among males, only personal control remained significant, explaining 13.9 percent of the variance in hemoglobin A1c ( β = 0.37, p < 0.001). The associations between psychological correlates and hemoglobin A1c indicate that addressing such aspects clinically may facilitate metabolic control, thereby potentially contributing to reduce the risk of complications.

Global trends in diabetes complications: a review of current evidence

In recent decades, large increases in diabetes prevalence have been demonstrated in virtually all regions of the world. The increase in the number of people with diabetes or with a longer duration of diabetes is likely to alter the disease profile in many populations around the globe, particularly due to a higher incidence of diabetes-specific complications, such as kidney failure and peripheral arterial disease. The epidemiology of other conditions frequently associated with diabetes, including infections and cardiovascular disease, may also change, with direct effects on quality of life, demands on health services and economic costs. The current understanding of the international burden of and variation in diabetes-related complications is poor. The available data suggest that rates of myocardial infarction, stroke and amputation are decreasing among people with diabetes, in parallel with declining mortality. However, these data predominantly come from studies in only a few high-income countries. Trends in other complications of diabetes, such as end-stage renal disease, retinopathy and cancer, are less well explored. In this review, we synthesise data from population-based studies on trends in diabetes complications, with the objectives of: (1) characterising recent and long-term trends in diabetes-related complications; (2) describing regional variation in the excess risk of complications, where possible; and (3) identifying and prioritising gaps for future surveillance and study.

Diabetes transition care and adverse events: a population-based cohort study in Ontario, Canada

AIMS

To describe patterns of primary and diabetes care during transition age (17 to < 19 years) into early adulthood (age 19 to 26 years), and to evaluate the association of primary and diabetes care patterns during transition age with the risk of adverse events in early adulthood.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based cohort study of individuals in Ontario, Canada who were diagnosed with diabetes aged < 15 years and who turned 17 between November 2006 and March 2011, followed until March 2015 (n = 2525). Using linked administrative databases, we examined healthcare use during: 'pre-transition-age' (15 to < 17 years), 'transition-age' (17 to < 19 years), and 'early adulthood' (19 to 26 years). The main outcomes were time to death or ketoacidosis and rate of diabetes-related admissions. The main exposures were the gap in diabetes care and primary care visits during transition age.

RESULTS

There were < 6 deaths and 446 individuals (17.7%) had at least one admission for ketoacidosis during early adulthood. In all, 1188 individuals (47.0%) had a > 12-month gap in diabetes care and 241 (9.5%) had no primary care visits during transition age. A gap in diabetes care of > 12 months and no primary care visits during transition age were associated with an increased risk of ketoacidosis or death (adjusted hazard ratio 1.31, 95% CI 1.04-1.66 and adjusted hazard ratio 1.42, 95% CI 1.02-1.97, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In Ontario, Canada, where physician and hospital-based services are universally covered, a high proportion of young adults with diabetes have insufficient care during transition age and this is associated with a higher risk of important adverse outcomes in early adulthood. Ensuring primary care involvement during transition may be a strategy to reduce morbidity.

Mental health visits and low socio-economic status in adolescence are associated with complications of Type 1 diabetes in early adulthood: a population-based cohort study

AIM

To determine the association of mental health visits and socio-economic status in late adolescence with the risk of mortality and acute and chronic diabetes complications in early adulthood.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based cohort study of individuals in Ontario, Canada, who had their 20th birthday between January 1999 and March 2015 and a diagnosis of diabetes prior to their 15^th birthday, using linked administrative databases (n=8491). The main outcome was death; other outcomes were hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits and chronic diabetes complications (dialysis, ophthalmological and macrovascular complications).

RESULTS

Over the course of 59 361 person-years there were 127 deaths.. Low socio-economic status and mental health visits were both associated with a higher risk of death [hazard ratio 2.03, (95% CI 1.13 to 3.64) and 2.45 (95% CI 1.71 to 3.51), respectively]. Those with the lowest socio-economic status and a mental health visit had a higher rate of diabetes-related hospitalizations (rate ratio 4.84, 95% CI 3.64 to 6.44) and emergency department visits (rate ratio 3.15, 95% CI 1.79 to 5.54). Low socio-economic status and mental health visits were both associated with an increased risk of any chronic complication [hazard ratio 1.54 (95% CI 1.21 to 1.96) and 1.57 (95% CI 1.35 to 1.81), respectively].

CONCLUSION

We identified significant socio-economic and mental health disparities in the risk of death and acute and chronic complications in early adulthood for people with childhood-onset diabetes. Targeted interventions to prevent adverse events for these adolescents at highest risk should be evaluated.

Low Incidence of End-Stage Renal Disease in Childhood-Onset Type 1 Diabetes Followed for Up to 42 Years

OBJECTIVE

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is one of the most severe complications in type 1 diabetes. We aimed to estimate the cumulative incidence of ESRD in individuals with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes followed for up to 42 years.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data were based on the nationwide, population-based Norwegian Childhood Diabetes Registry and included case patients with new-onset type 1 diabetes (age <15 years) who had received a diagnosis during the periods 1973-1982 and 1989-2012. Follow-up took place until the development of ESRD, death, emigration, or 30 November 2015. We estimated the cumulative incidence of ESRD by linking to the Norwegian Renal Registry.

RESULTS

Among the 7,871 patients, representing 147,714 person-years of follow-up, ESRD developed in 103 individuals (1.3%). The mean time from the diagnosis of diabetes to the development of ESRD was 25.9 years (range 12.7-39.1). The cumulative incidence of ESRD was 0.7% (95% CI 0.4-1.0) at 20 years' diabetes duration, 2.9% (2.3-3.7) at 30 years' duration, and 5.3% (4.3-6.5) at 40 years' duration. The risk of the development of ESRD was lower in women than in men (hazard ratio [HR] 0.61; 95% CI 0.41-0.91) and higher in individuals in whom diabetes had been diagnosed at 10-14 years of age compared with those in whom it was diagnosed before 10 years of age (HR 1.29; 1.06-1.56). We did not identify any significant difference in the risk of the development of ESRD between those in whom diabetes was diagnosed in 1973-1982 and in 1989-2012 (HR 0.80; 0.45-1.45).

CONCLUSIONS

We report a very low incidence of ESRD among patients with childhood-onset diabetes in Norway. The risk was lower in women compared with men and in individuals in whom diabetes was diagnosed at a younger age.

Mortality in type 1 diabetes diagnosed in childhood in Northern Ireland during 1989-2012: A population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate long-term mortality rates and causes of death in individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before the age of 15 years during the period 1989-2012 or known to paediatric diabetes teams in 1989, in Northern Ireland.

METHODS

A cohort of 3129 patients from the Northern Ireland Childhood Diabetes Register was linked to death registrations and underlying causes, coded according to ICD-9 or ICD-10. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated as the ratio of observed to expected deaths by sex, attained age, time since diagnosis, calendar period, and cause of death.

RESULTS

Subjects were followed to December 31, 2012 giving 39 764 person-years of follow-up (median 12.1 years). In total, 59 subjects had died (1.5 per 1000 person-years) compared with 19.9 deaths expected, an SMR of 296 (95% confidence interval (CI) 229-382). Women had a significantly higher excess risk of mortality than men with SMRs of 535 (95% CI 361-764) and 203 (95% CI 136-291), respectively. Over half of the deaths (56%) were judged to be related or possibly related to diabetes with most of these due to acute (n = 24) or late (n = 6) complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Subjects with type 1 diabetes diagnosed less than 15 years of age had 3 times the mortality risk of the general population. Over half of the deaths were related to acute or chronic complications of diabetes.

Mortality and acute complications in children and young adults diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in Yorkshire, UK: a cohort study

AIMS

To examine all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a population-based cohort of people with early and late onset of Type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

The Yorkshire Register of Diabetes in Children and Young People includes individuals with early (0-14 years) and late (15-29 years) Type 1 diabetes onset, diagnosed between 1978 and 2013. This register was linked to death certification data from the Office for National Statistics to calculate standardized mortality ratios, cumulative mortality curves using Kaplan-Meier survival estimates, and Cox regression modelling. Ethnicity was derived using Onomap. Deprivation status was classified using the Townsend index. The underlying cause of death in each case was clinically verified.

RESULTS

There were 229 deaths in 5498 individuals with 100 959 person-years of follow-up. The overall standardized mortality ratio was 4.3 (95% CI 3.8 to 4.9). There were no significant differences in standardized mortality ratios according to age of onset, sex or deprivation status. The standardized mortality ratios were significantly higher for people of white ethnic origin [8.1 (95% CI 6.9 to 9.4)] than for those of South-Asian ethnic origin [3.4 (95% CI 1.7 to 6.4)]. The mortality risk was lower in those diagnosed in later years (2002 to 2013 for the early-onset and 2006 to 2013 for the late-onset group) compared with earlier years (1991 to 1997 for the early-onset and 1991 to 1997 for the late-onset group) for both onset groups [hazard ratio 0.13 (95% CI 0.05 to 0.33) vs 0.24 (95% CI 0.07 to 0.81)]. Mortality risk improved over time for chronic complications in the early-onset group only, but there was no improvement in either onset group with regard to acute complications.

CONCLUSIONS

An excess of deaths in the population with Type 1 diabetes remains. Although the all-cause mortality risk has fallen over time, no improvement has been found in the mortality risk associated with acute complications.

Data-driven metabolic subtypes predict future adverse events in individuals with type 1 diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Previously, we proposed that data-driven metabolic subtypes predict mortality in type 1 diabetes. Here, we analysed new clinical endpoints and revisited the subtypes after 7 years of additional follow-up.

METHODS

Finnish individuals with type 1 diabetes (2059 men and 1924 women, insulin treatment before 35 years of age) were recruited by the national multicentre FinnDiane Study Group. The participants were assigned one of six metabolic subtypes according to a previously published self-organising map from 2008. Subtype-specific all-cause and cardiovascular mortality rates in the FinnDiane cohort were compared with registry data from the entire Finnish population. The rates of incident diabetic kidney disease and cardiovascular endpoints were estimated based on hospital records.

RESULTS

The advanced kidney disease subtype was associated with the highest incidence of kidney disease progression (67.5% per decade, p < 0.001), ischaemic heart disease (26.4% per decade, p < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (41.5% per decade, p < 0.001). Across all subtypes, mortality rates were lower in women compared with men, but standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) were higher in women. SMRs were indistinguishable between the original study period (1994-2007) and the new period (2008-2014). The metabolic syndrome subtype predicted cardiovascular deaths (SMR 11.0 for men, SMR 23.4 for women, p < 0.001), and women with the high HDL-cholesterol subtype were also at high cardiovascular risk (SMR 16.3, p < 0.001). Men with the low-cholesterol or good glycaemic control subtype showed no excess mortality.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Data-driven multivariable metabolic subtypes predicted the divergence of complication burden across multiple clinical endpoints simultaneously. In particular, men with the metabolic syndrome and women with high HDL-cholesterol should be recognised as important subgroups in interventional studies and public health guidelines on type 1 diabetes.

Cause-specific mortality in a cohort of Brazilian patients with type 1 diabetes

AIMS

To assess cause-specific mortality in a cohort of patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) followed at an university hospital (tertiary level, Rio de Janeiro city) and an outpatient clinic (secondary level, Bauru city) both in Brazil's southeast, and associations of survival with gender, age at diagnosis, self-reported ethnicity and diabetes duration.

METHODS

Our study is based on a cohort of patients with T1D whose vital status was determined as of December 31, 2015. The causes of mortality were determined by death certificates and outpatient clinic records.

RESULTS

Among 986 patients, (54.4%) females, (74.8%) Caucasians, 886 (89.9%) were alive, 62 (6.3%) had died, and in 38 (3.9%) the vital status was unknown. Median age at death [interquartile range] and diabetes duration until death were 30.0 [13] and 15.6 [10] years, respectively. Considering those who died (n = 62), most patients (about 70%) died from end-stage renal disease, macrovascular disease or acute complications of diabetes, mainly diabetic ketoacidosis. The other causes of mortality were infections, fatal accidents and non-diabetes-related. The standardized mortality ratio was 3.13 [2.35-4.08] in those aged under 40. In a multivariate Cox model, "age < 40 years" and "year of diagnosis" were the only significant variables with hazard ratios of 6.259 [(3.100-12.639), p < 0.001] and 0.915 [(0.880-0.951), p < 0.001], respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that patients with T1D had a threefold increase in mortality. The specific causes of mortality were mainly diabetes-related chronic complications; however, acute complications, especially diabetic ketoacidosis, persisted as an important cause of mortality.

Glycemic control and complications in patients with type 1 diabetes - a registry-based longitudinal study of adolescents and young adults

OBJECTIVE

The main aims of this study were to assess longitudinal glycemic control and the prevalence of retinopathy and nephropathy in young people (aged 14-30 yr) with type 1 diabetes in Norway.

METHOD

Data on 874 patients were obtained by linking two nationwide, population-based medical quality registries: The Norwegian Diabetes Register for Adults and The Norwegian Childhood Diabetes Registry.

RESULTS

Median age was 23 yr, median diabetes duration 9 yr and 51% were male. Median HbA_1c increased through adolescence to peak at ages of 17 yr for females and 19 yr for males, females had higher HbA_1c than males: 9.3% (78 mmol/mol) vs. 9.1% (76 mmol/mol). Subsequently, median HbA_1c declined but was still >8% (>64 mmol/mol) for patients approaching 30 yr. Half of the patients aged 14-17 yr and 40% of patients aged 18-25 yr had HbA_1c >9% (75 mmol/mol). Retinopathy was found in 16% and nephropathy in 13% of the population. Patients transferring from the pediatric department to adult care between the ages of 14 and 17 yr had higher median HbA_1c and prevalence of late complications than those transferring at ages 18-22 yr. Less than 40% of patients with albuminuria were treated with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blocker.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that treatment of adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes in Norway is not optimal, especially for patients in their late teens. We suggest that pediatricians and endocrinologists should critically assess the care offered to this group and consider new approaches to help them improve glycemic control.

Long-term Mortality and End-Stage Renal Disease in a Type 1 Diabetes Population Diagnosed at Age 15-29 Years in Norway

OBJECTIVE

To study long-term mortality, causes of death, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 15-29 years.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This nationwide, population-based cohort with type 1 diabetes diagnosed during 1978-1982 (n = 719) was followed from diagnosis until death, emigration, or September 2013. Linkages to the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry and the Norwegian Renal Registry provided information on causes of death and whether ESRD was present. A clinical committee reviewed the causes of death. We calculated standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for comparison with the background population.

RESULTS

During 30 years' follow-up, 4.6% of participants developed ESRD and 20.6% (n = 148; 106 men and 42 women) died. Cumulative mortality by years since diagnosis was 6.0% (95% CI 4.5-8.0) at 10 years, 12.2% (10.0-14.8) at 20 years, and 18.4% (15.8-21.5) at 30 years. The SMR was 4.4 (95% CI 3.7-5.1). Mean time from diagnosis of diabetes to ESRD was 23.6 years (range 14.2-33.5). Death was caused by chronic complications (32.2%), acute complications (20.5%), violent death (19.9%), or any other cause (27.4%). Death was related to alcohol in 15% of cases. SMR for alcohol-related death was 6.8 (95% CI 4.5-10.3), for cardiovascular death was 7.3 (5.4-10.0), and for violent death was 3.6 (2.3-5.3).

CONCLUSIONS

The cumulative incidence of ESRD was low in this cohort with type 1 diabetes followed for 30 years. Mortality was 4.4 times that of the general population, and more than 50% of all deaths were caused by acute or chronic complications. A relatively high proportion of deaths were related to alcohol.

Causes of death in childhood-onset Type 1 diabetes: long-term follow-up

AIMS

To assess the causes of death and cause-specific standardized mortality ratios in two nationwide, population-based cohorts diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes during the periods 1973-1982 and 1989-2012, and to evaluate changes in causes of death during the follow-up period.

METHODS

People with Type 1 diabetes who were aged < 15 years at diagnosis were identified in the Norwegian Childhood Diabetes Registry and followed from diagnosis until death, emigration or September 2013 (n = 7871). We assessed causes of death by linking data to the nationwide Cause of Death Registry and through a review committee that evaluated medical records, autopsy reports and death certificates.

RESULTS

During a mean (range) follow-up of 16.8 (0-40.7) years, 241 individuals (3.1%) died, representing 132 143 person-years. The leading cause of death before the age of 30 years was acute complications (41/119, 34.5%). After the age of 30 years cardiovascular disease was predominant (41/122, 33.6%), although death attributable to acute complications was still important in this age group (22/122, 18.0%). A total of 5% of deaths were caused by 'dead-in-bed' syndrome. The standardized mortality ratio was elevated for cardiovascular disease [11.9 (95% CI 8.6-16.4)] and violent death [1.7 (95% CI 1.3-2.1)] in both sexes combined, but was elevated for suicide only in women [2.5 (95% CI 1.2-5.3)]. The risk of death from acute complications was approximately half in women compared with men [hazard ratio 0.43 (95% CI 0.25-0.76)], and did not change with more recent year of diagnosis [hazard ratio 1.02 (0.98-1.05)].

CONCLUSIONS

There was no change in mortality attributable to acute complications during the study period. To reduce premature mortality in people with childhood-onset diabetes focus should be on prevention of acute complications. Male gender implied increased risk.

Registry of Youth Onset Diabetes in India (YDR): Rationale, Recruitment, and Current Status

BACKGROUND

With the aim of addressing the relative scarcity of information on youth-onset diabetes in India, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) decided to establish the Registry of People with Diabetes with Young Age at Onset (YDR) in 2006. The major objectives of YDR are to generate information on disease pattern or types of youth-onset diabetes including their geographical variations within India and to estimate the burden of diabetes complications.

METHODS

YDR is an observational multicenter clinic based registry enlisting physician diagnosed diabetes in individuals below 25 years of age. Diabetes was classified using symptom based clinical criteria. YDR data collection is coordinated through regional collaborating centers and their interacting reporting centers across India. A baseline and an annual follow-up proformas are used to obtain information on sociodemographic details, clinical profile, and anthropometric and laboratory measurements of the patients.

RESULTS

In phase 1, the registry has enrolled 5546 patients, in which type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) was the most prevalent (63.9%), followed by youth-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (25.3%).

CONCLUSION

This registry provides a unique opportunity to study the natural history of youth-onset diabetes in India.

Gaps in life expectancy for people with type 1 diabetes

Two papers in this issue of Diabetologia present recent trends in life expectancy for people with type 1 diabetes, one using data from an Australian registry (Huo et al, DOI: 10.1007/s00125-015-3857-4 ), the other, a Swedish registry (Petrie et al, DOI: 10.1007/s00125-016-3914-7 ). This commentary provides a brief review of the concept of the period life expectancy and complexities regarding applicability to patients, before summarising and discussing the main results of the two papers. In addition, some remaining relevant knowledge gaps are discussed.