Clinical features at the onset of childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus in Shenyang, China

Review article: Abdominal pain and diabetes mellitus in the emergency department

This manuscript seeks to describe diagnostic considerations in individuals with diabetes mellitus presenting to the ED with abdominal pain. It highlights the importance of early investigation with computerised tomography to differentiate aetiologies that compel early surgical intervention from those which may be treated conservatively.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Children and Adolescents; Diagnostic and Therapeutic Pitfalls

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) represents an acute, severe complication of relative insulin deficiency and a common presentation of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) primarily and, occasionally, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in children and adolescents. It is characterized by the biochemical triad of hyperglycaemia, ketonaemia and/or ketonuria, and acidaemia. Clinical symptoms include dehydration, tachypnoea, gastrointestinal symptoms, and reduced level of consciousness, precipitated by a variably long period of polyuria, polydipsia, and weight loss. The present review aims to summarize potential pitfalls in the diagnosis and management of DKA. A literature review was conducted using the Pubmed/Medline and Scopus databases including articles published from 2000 onwards. Diagnostic challenges include differentiating between T1DM and T2DM, between DKA and hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS), and between DKA and alternative diagnoses presenting with overlapping symptoms, such as pneumonia, asthma exacerbation, urinary tract infection, gastroenteritis, acute abdomen, and central nervous system infection. The mainstays of DKA management include careful fluid resuscitation, timely intravenous insulin administration, restoration of shifting electrolyte disorders and addressing underlying precipitating factors. However, evidence suggests that optimal treatment remains a therapeutic challenge. Accurate and rapid diagnosis, prompt intervention, and meticulous monitoring are of major importance to break the vicious cycle of life-threatening events and prevent severe complications during this potentially fatal medical emergency.

Diabetic ketoacidosis in children with new-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus: demographics, risk factors and outcome: an 11 year review in Hong Kong

OBJECTIVES

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication of type 1 diabetes (T1D). The aim of this study is to analyze the incidence, clinical characteristics, management and outcome of children presenting with DKA in new-onset T1D from 2008 to 2018 in Hong Kong.

METHODS

Data was extracted from the Hong Kong Childhood Diabetes Registry. All subjects less than 18 years with newly diagnosed T1D from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2018 managed in the public hospitals were included. Information on demographics, laboratory parameters, DKA-related complications and management were analyzed.

RESULTS

In the study period, there were 556 children with newly diagnosed T1D in our registry and 43.3% presented with DKA. The crude incidence rate of new-onset T1D with DKA was 1.79 per 100,000 persons/year (CI: 1.56-2.04). Subjects presenting with DKA were younger (9.5 ± 4.5 vs. 10.5 ± 4.4, p=0.01) and had shorter duration of symptoms (4.2 ± 5.9 days vs. 10.6 ± 17.1 days, p<0.01). Regarding management, up to 12.4% were given insulin boluses and 82.6% were started on insulin infusion 1 h after fluid resuscitation. The rate of cerebral edema was 0.8% and there was no mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Younger age and shorter duration of symptoms were associated with DKA in new-onset T1D. Despite availability of international guidelines, there was inconsistency in acute DKA management. These call for a need to raise public awareness on childhood diabetes as well as standardization of practice in management of pediatric DKA in Hong Kong.

Pediatric diabetes in China: Challenges and actions

Pediatric diabetes is growing in China. The annual incidence of childhood type 1 diabetes is about 2.02-5.3 per 100,000 person-years. Type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents is increasing dramatically with the high-speed urbanization of China. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes varies from 1.64/100, 000 to 15.16/100,000 based on the geography and economy. Monogenic diabetes used to be underestimated in China and now more cases are emerging. In this review, we give an overview of pediatric diabetes in China, present the progresses and challenges in management of pediatric diabetes, and discuss the government policy and potential actions in China, for better life quality of diabetic families.

Epidemiology and phenotypes of diabetes in children and adolescents in non-European-origin populations in or from Western Pacific region

BACKGROUND

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) incidence varies substantially between countries/ territories, with most studies indicating increasing incidence. In Western Pacific region (WPR), reported rates are much lower than European-origin populations. In contrast, there are reports of substantial numbers of young people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). A deeper understanding of T1D and T2D in the WPR may illuminate factors important in pathogenesis of these conditions. Furthermore, with varying resources and funding for diabetes treatment in this region, there is a need to more clearly determine the current burden of disease and also any gaps in knowledge.

AIM

To compile and summarise published epidemiologic and phenotypic data on childhood diabetes in non-European populations in and from WPR.

METHODS

Research articles were systematically searched from PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, Cochrane library, and gray literature. Primary outcome measures were incidence and prevalence, with secondary measures including phenotypic descriptions of diabetes, including diabetes type categorization, presence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at onset, autoantibody positivity, C-peptide levels, and human leucocyte antigen phenotype. Extracted data were collected using a customized template. Three hundred and thirty relevant records were identified from 16 countries/territories, with analysis conducted on 265 (80.3%) records published from the year 2000.

RESULTS

T1D incidence ranged from < 1-7.3/100000 individuals/year, rates were highest in emigrant/ mixed populations and lowest in South-East Asia, with most countries/territories (71.4%) having no data since 1999. Incidence was increasing in all six countries/territories with data (annual increases 0.5%-14.2%, highest in China). Peak age-of-onset was 10-14 years, with a female case excess. Rate of DKA at onset varied from 19.3%-70%. Pancreatic autoantibodies at diagnosis were similar to European-origin populations, with glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 autoantibody frequency of 44.1%-64.5%, insulinoma-associated 2 autoantibody 43.5%-70.7%, and zinc transporter-8 autoantibody frequency 54.3% (one study). Fulminant T1D also occurs. T2D was not uncommon, with incidence in Japan and one Chinese study exceeding T1D rates. Monogenic forms also occurred in a number of countries.

CONCLUSION

T1D is less common, but generally has a classic phenotype. Some countries/ territories have rapidly increasing incidence. T2D is relatively common. Registries and studies are needed to fill many information gaps.

Impact of Diabetic Ketoacidosis on Thyroid Function in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

Changes in thyroid function in diabetes patients who developed diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) still need to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to systematically review available data on the relationship between thyroid function and DKA in diabetes patients who developed DKA.

METHODS

Electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and China Academic Journal Full-text Database (CNKI)) were searched systematically to search relevant literature before December 2020. The mean ± standard deviation and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used for evaluation, and sensitivity analysis was performed. Publication bias was estimated by funnel plot, Egger's test, and Begger's test.

RESULTS

29 studies were included in the meta-analysis, and the indicators (T4, T3, FT3, FT4, TSH, T3RU, and rT3) of patients with DKA were compared and analyzed. The results of this study showed that the levels of T4, T3, FT3, FT4, and TSH were decreased and the level of rT3 was increased in patients with DKA. Compared with after treatment, the levels of T4, T3, FT3, and FT4 in patients with DKA were decreased before treatment, while the levels of rT3 were increased, and there was no significant difference in changes of TSH. With the aggravation of DKA, the levels of T4, T3, FT3, and FT4 will further decrease, while the changes of TSH have no statistical difference.

CONCLUSION

Thyroid function changed in diabetic patients with DKA. It changed with the severity of DKA. This condition may be transient, preceding further recovery of DKA.

"Puddles on the Road": Hurdles in the Pathway from Symptoms to Diagnosis and Treatment in Children with Type 1 Diabetes

INTRODUCTION

This study was conducted to investigate the pathway from first symptoms to initiation of insulin regimen in children with new-onset Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) and explore the reasons behind diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA) at onset among children with T1DM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An exploratory study was conducted using a pretested questionnaire, among parents of children diagnosed with T1DM within preceding 3 months.

RESULTS

Out of the total 105 children, 56.1% were males. The median age was 7 years. The commonest reported symptoms were polydipsia (97.8%), polyuria (75.2%), and nocturia (75.2%). The mean time taken by parents from onset of symptoms to decide to visit the physician (appraisal gap) was 7.85 ± 7.95 days. The help-seeking gap (from decision-making to visiting a physician) was 3.01 ± 8.31 days, diagnostic gap (from first visit to diagnosis) was 4.19 ± 6.72 days, and the treatment gap (from diagnosis to the start of insulin) was 2.12 ± 6.87 days. The DKA at onset (was present in 39 out of 105 children 37.1%) and was higher among children with lower per-capita income (P-0.017), lack of previous experience among parents (P-0.017), longer appraisal (P-0.023), and treatment gap (P-0.009).

CONCLUSION

Increasing awareness about the diabetes among children among the public and primary healthcare workers can help prevent DKA at onset.

Diabetic ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the most common acute hyperglycaemic emergency in people with diabetes mellitus. A diagnosis of DKA is confirmed when all of the three criteria are present - 'D', either elevated blood glucose levels or a family history of diabetes mellitus; 'K', the presence of high urinary or blood ketoacids; and 'A', a high anion gap metabolic acidosis. Early diagnosis and management are paramount to improve patient outcomes. The mainstays of treatment include restoration of circulating volume, insulin therapy, electrolyte replacement and treatment of any underlying precipitating event. Without optimal treatment, DKA remains a condition with appreciable, although largely preventable, morbidity and mortality. In this Primer, we discuss the epidemiology, pathogenesis, risk factors and diagnosis of DKA and provide practical recommendations for the management of DKA in adults and children.

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.

Impact of disease-management programs on metabolic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: A cohort study in Shantou, China

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of diabetes disease management program (DMP) on glycemic control in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients in Shantou China.A sample of 240 participants recruited from 3C study Shantou subgroup was followed up in DMP for 3 years. The DMP provided self-management education, individualized therapy plan, diabetes complications screening, and laboratory examination periodical according to clinical practice guidelines. Primary outcomes were changes in hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c).Two hundred one of the participants completed the follow-up. There was a significant decrease in the HbA1c levels after DMP implemented. The mean (± SD) pre- and post-intervention HbA1c levels were 10.26% ± 3.30% and 8.57% ± 1.57% respectively with a P value <0.001. General linear mixed model analyse demonstrated that changes in glycemic control were associated with insulin treatment regimen, frequency of Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG), diabetes diet adherence, physical activity, and duration of diabetes.DMP helped to improve glycemic control and should be general implemented in China's T1DM. Individuals with basal-bolus regimen (multiple daily injections or pump therapy), more frequency of SMBG, following a diabetes diet, more physical activity, shorter diabetes duration may derive greater benefits from DMP.

The pathway to diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in children: a questionnaire study

OBJECTIVE

To explore the pathway to diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in children.

DESIGN

Questionnaire completed by parents.

PARTICIPANTS

Parents of children aged 1 month to 16 years diagnosed with T1D within the previous 3 months.

SETTING

Children and parents from 11 hospitals within the East of England.

RESULTS

88/164 (54%) invited families returned the questionnaire. Children had mean±SD age of 9.41±4.5 years. 35 (39.8%) presented with diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis. The most common symptoms were polydipsia (97.7%), polyuria (83.9%), tiredness (75.9%), nocturia (73.6%) and weight loss (64.4%) and all children presented with at least one of those symptoms. The time from symptom onset to diagnosis ranged from 2 to 315 days (median 25 days). Most of this was the appraisal interval from symptom onset until perceiving the need to seek medical advice. Access to healthcare was good but one in five children presenting to primary care were not diagnosed at first encounter, most commonly due to waiting for fasting blood tests or alternative diagnoses. Children diagnosed at first consultation had a shorter duration of symptoms (p=0.022) and children whose parents suspected the diagnosis were 1.3 times more likely (relative risk (RR) 1.3, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.67) to be diagnosed at first consultation.

CONCLUSIONS

Children present with the known symptoms of T1D but there is considerable scope to improve the diagnostic pathway. Future interventions targeted at parents need to address the tendency of parents to find alternative explanations for symptoms and the perceived barriers to access, in addition to symptom awareness.

Demographic and clinical characteristics of type 1 diabetes mellitus in omani children - single center experience

OBJECTIVES

To describe the demographic characteristics and clinical presentation of Omani children with type 1 diabetes mellitus at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of all children with type 1 diabetes mellitus attending the Pediatric Endocrine Unit at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman from June 2006 to May 2013.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty-four patients were included in the study. The mean±SD of age at diagnosis was 6.7 ± 3.7 years. The median duration of symptoms was 10 days (IQR; 5-14). The most commonly reported presenting symptoms were polyuria (94%), polydipsia (82%), and weight loss (59%). Diabetic ketoacidosis at initial presentation was diagnosed in 31% of the patients. Different insulin regimens were prescribed: multiple daily injections in 109 (76%) patients, twice daily insulin regimen in 23 (16%) patients, and insulin pump therapy in 12 (8%) patients. Family history of type 1 diabetes mellitus was present in 31 (22%) patients. There were no significant differences in presenting complaints (polyuria, p=0.182; polydipsia, p=0.848), duration of symptoms (p=0.331), reported weight loss (p=0.753), or diabetic ketoacidosis at presentation (p=0.608) between patients with and without family history of type 1 diabetes mellitus.

CONCLUSION

Polyuria, polydipsia and weight loss are the most common presenting symptoms. Family history of type 1 diabetes mellitus is highly prevalent among the studied patients. Diabetic ketoacidosis was found to be less common in Oman compared to other diabetes centers in the Middle East.

Epidemiological pattern of newly diagnosed children with type 1 diabetes mellitus, Taif, Saudi Arabia

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

Type-1-diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is the most commonly diagnosed type of DM in children and adolescents. We aim to identify the epidemiological profile, risk factors, clinical features, and factors related to delayed diagnosis or mismanagement in children with newly diagnosed T1DM in Taif, Saudi Arabia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ninety-nine newly diagnosed patients were included in the study along with 110 healthy controls. Patients were classified into 3 groups (I: >2 years, II: 2->6 years, and III: 6-12 years). Both patients and controls were tested for C-peptide, TSH, and autoantibodies associated with DM and those attacking the thyroid gland.

RESULTS

Diabetic ketoacidosis was present in 79.8%. Delayed and missed diagnoses were recorded in 45.5%, with significant correlation to age and district of origin. Severity at presentation showed significant correlation with age and cow's milk feeding. Group I, those with misdiagnosis or positive DM related autoantibodies, had more severe presentations. The correlation of C-peptide and TSH levels in patients and controls was significant for C-peptide and nonsignificant for TSH.

CONCLUSION

Misdiagnosis and mismanagement are common and account for more severe presentation, especially in young children >2 years. Early introduction of cow's milk appears to be a risk factor for the development of T1DM.

Variation between countries in the frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis at first presentation of type 1 diabetes in children: a systematic review

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Type 1 diabetes is the most frequent endocrine disease in children, with 65,000 children diagnosed worldwide every year. Up to 80% of these children present with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is associated with both short-term risks and long-term consequences. This study aimed to characterise the worldwide variation in presentation of type 1 diabetes to inform future interventions to reduce this excess morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

This was a systematic review of studies indexed on PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus or CINAHL before March 2011 that included unselected groups of children presenting with new-onset type 1 diabetes, reported the proportion presenting with DKA and used a definition of DKA based on measurement of pH or bicarbonate.

RESULTS

Sixty-five studies of cohorts comprising over 29,000 children in 31 countries were included. The frequency of DKA at diagnosis ranged from 12.8% to 80%, with highest frequencies in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Romania, and the lowest in Sweden, the Slovak Republic and Canada. Multivariable modelling showed the frequency of DKA was inversely associated with gross domestic product, latitude and background incidence of type 1 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

This is the first description of the variation in frequency of DKA at presentation of type 1 diabetes in children across countries. It demonstrates large variations that may, at least in part, be explained by different levels of disease awareness and healthcare provision and suggests ways to decrease the excess morbidity and mortality associated with DKA at diagnosis.

The 3C study: coverage cost and care of type 1 diabetes in China--study design and implementation

AIM

To describe coverage, cost and care of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in 2 regions of China--Beijing and Shantou--including:

METHODS

This is a mixed-methods descriptive study with three arms--coverage, cost and care. It is taking place in 4 tertiary hospitals, 3 secondary hospitals and 4 primary health facilities in Beijing, and 2 tertiary hospitals, 2 secondary hospitals and 2 primary health centres in Shantou, China. Two additional hospitals are involved in the coverage arm of the study. T1D participants are recruited from a 3-year list generated by each hospital and from those attending the outpatient clinic or admitted to the inpatient ward. Participants also include health care professionals and government officials. To determine coverage of care, a list of people with T1D is being developed including information on diagnosis, age, sex and vital status. The age and sex distribution will be compared with the expected distribution. To estimate the economic burden of T1D three groups of costs will be calculated - direct medical costs, direct non-medical costs and indirect costs from different perspectives of analysis (patients and their families, health system, insurer and societal perspective). The data are being collected from people with T1D (patient-parents face-to-face interviews), hospital billing departments, medical records and government officials using a combined "top-down, bottom-up" approach developed to validate the data. Quality of life is assessed using the EQ-5D tool and burden of disease is measured based on clinical outcomes and complications. Standard care will be defined, costed and compared to the cost of current care identified within the study to determine the investment required to improve outcomes. The third arm includes three components - health policy, clinical care and education, and information management. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews are conducted with people with T1D (for those <15 years of age parents are interviewed), health care professionals, senior hospital management and government officials. The core Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Measure plus an additional 6 questions from the revised SDSCA scale are used to assess patient self-care. A medical records audit tool is used to assess care [7]. Clinical outcomes and self-care activities will be analysed for associations with care and education. Information management and care processes will be described using the Standard for Integration Definition for Function Modelling (IDEF0) [8].

PROGRESS TO DATE

At the time of writing (early October) the 3-year case list includes 1269 people with type 1 diabetes from Beijing and 481 people for Shantou, a total of 1750. In addition, two hundred and twenty people with T1D or their parents participated in face-to-face interviews in Beijing and 183 in Shantou, a total of 403.

PRACTICAL PRELIMINARY CONCLUSIONS

Key implementation considerations were identified early in the project. Project success is dependent on strong local partnerships with local opinion leaders and key officials. It is important that a physician is the first point of contact to build the case list and recruit participants. July, August and January are peak months for recruiting school-age children in the Children's Hospital as this is school vacation period when they are more likely to attend clinics.

Factors associated with the presence of diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis of diabetes in children and young adults: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To identify the factors associated with diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in children and young adults.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cinahl and article reference lists.

STUDY SELECTION

Cohort studies including unselected groups of children and young adults presenting with new onset type 1 diabetes that distinguished between those who presented in diabetic ketoacidosis and those who did not and included a measurement of either pH or bicarbonate in the definition of diabetic ketoacidosis. There were no restrictions on language of publication.

RESULTS

46 studies involving more than 24,000 children in 31 countries were included. Together they compared 23 different factors. Factors associated with increased risk were younger age (for <2 years old v older, odds ratio 3.41 (95% confidence interval 2.54 to 4.59), for <5 years v older, odds ratio 1.59 (1.38 to 1.84)), diagnostic error (odds ratio 3.35 (2.35 to 4.79)), ethnic minority, lack of health insurance in the US (odds ratio 3.20 (2.03 to 5.04)), lower body mass index, preceding infection (odds ratio 3.14 (0.94 to 10.47)), and delayed treatment (odds ratio 1.74 (1.10 to 2.77)). Protective factors were having a first degree relative with type 1 diabetes at the time of diagnosis (odds ratio 0.33 (0.08 to 1.26)), higher parental education (odds ratios 0.4 (0.20 to 0.79) and 0.64 (0.43 to 0.94) in two studies), and higher background incidence of type 1 diabetes (correlation coefficient -0.715). The mean duration of symptoms was similar between children presenting with or without diabetic ketoacidosis (16.5 days (standard error 6.2) and 17.1 days (6.0) respectively), and up to 38.8% (285/735) of children who presented with diabetic ketoacidosis had been seen at least once by a doctor before diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple factors affect the risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis at the onset of type 1 diabetes in children and young adults, and there is potential time, scope, and opportunity to intervene between symptom onset and development of diabetic ketoacidosis for both parents and clinicians.