Ketoacidosis at onset of type 1 diabetes is a predictor of long-term glycemic control

Risk predictors of glycaemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To conduct systematic evaluation of the risk predictors of glycaemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

Cohort studies on risk predictors of glycaemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes were retrieved from CNKI, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase databases, etc. from the construction of the repository to 3 February 2023. Literature screening was conducted according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, then data extraction of region, sample size, age, follow-up time, risk predictors, outcome indicators, etc., and quality evaluation of The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale were conducted by two researchers while the third researcher makes decisions if there are disagreements. Finally, Revman5.4 and StataMP17 were used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 29 studies were included, and the results showed that insulin pump [Weighed mean difference (WMD) = -.48, 95% CI (-.73, -.24), p < .01], high-frequency sensor monitoring, early use of insulin pumps, prospective follow-up male, white race, large body mass index-standardised scoring, conscientiousness, agreeableness of mothers, eicosapentaenoic acid, leucine and protein (p < .05) were beneficial for reducing HbA1c levels in children and adolescents with diabetes. Ketoacidosis [WMD = .39, 95% CI (.28, .50), p < .01], selective admission, higher HbA1c level at one time (p < .01), higher glutamate decarboxylase antibody at 1 month after diagnosis, lower socio-economic status, non-living with biological parents, non-two-parent family, family disorder, family history of diabetes and high carbohydrate intake (p < .05) increased HbA1c levels in children and adolescents with diabetes.

CONCLUSION

For children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus, the use of insulin pump, high-frequency sensor monitoring, prospective follow-up, good family support and reasonable diet are conducive to blood glucose control, while selective admission and DKA are not. Disease characteristics and demographic characteristics of children are closely related to subsequent blood glucose control, and the relationship between diagnosis age and blood glucose control needs to be further explored.

Incidence of type 1 diabetes in Sardinian children aged 0-14 years has almost doubled in the last twenty years. On top of the world

AIMS

The primary objectives were to investigate the incidence rate (IR) of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in Sardinian children aged 0-14 years in 2019-2022 and to examine the temporal trend from 1989 to 1999.

METHODS

Data from new-onset T1D patients aged 0-14 years who were residents of Sardinia were collected from all pediatric diabetology clinics. The overall, sex- and age specific (groups 0-4, 5-9, and 10-14 years), and calendar year IRs were calculated. The standardized IR (SIR) was also calculated using the direct method. Poisson regression was used to estimate the temporal trend in the SIRs from 1989 to 1999 to 2019-2022.

RESULTS

In 2019-2022, 512 patients aged 0-14 years were diagnosed with T1D in Sardinia. The overall IR was 73.9 per 100,000 person-years (95 % CI 67.6-80.0). Since 1989, the SIR has increased by 2.3 % per year (CI 1.7-2.8, p < 0.0001). The frequency of ketoacidosis at onset was 26.4 %, with no significant differences among the four years.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of T1D in Sardinia, unlike in other countries such as Finland, has almost doubled in the last 20 years, and currently, it appears to be the highest in the world.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis at Onset of Type 1 Diabetes and Glycemic Outcomes with Closed-Loop Insulin Delivery

The presence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is associated with higher glycated hemoglobin levels over time. We evaluated whether hybrid-closed loop (HCL) therapy from onset of T1D could prevent the adverse impact of DKA at diagnosis on long-term glycemic outcomes. This was a posthoc analysis from 51 adolescents using HCL from diagnosis of T1D as part of the CLOuD trial (NCT02871089). We compared glycemic and insulin metrics between adolescents with (n = 17) and without (n = 34) DKA at diagnosis. Participants with and without DKA at diagnosis had similar time in target glucose range 3.9-10.0 mmol/L (70-180 mg/dL), time below range (<3.9 mmol/L, <70 mg/dL) and HbA1c at 6, 12, and 24 months. While insulin requirements at 6 months were higher in those with DKA at diagnosis, this was not statistically significant after adjusting for bodyweight. Residual C-peptide secretion was similar between groups. We conclude that HCL therapy may mitigate against the negative glycemic effects of DKA at T1D diagnosis.

Muscle-to-fat ratio in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes in predicting glycaemic control and partial clinical remission

BACKGROUND

Advances in treatment could mitigate the expected adverse changes in the body composition of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

OBJECTIVES

To examine the evolution of weight status and body composition and their association with glycaemic control and partial clinical remission in youth with T1D.

METHODS

Ninety-nine participants with T1D (median age 9.5 years [interquartile range 7.3, 12.9], 59.6% boys) were longitudinally followed for 3 years since diagnosis. Data at seven pre-determined time points were extracted from medical files. Outcome measures included body mass index (BMI) z-scores, muscle-to-fat ratio (MFR) z-scores, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, continuous glucose monitoring metrics, and insulin dose-adjusted HbA1c (IDAA1c) levels.

RESULTS

The BMI z-scores increased significantly (p < 0.001) for both sexes, with no significant change in MFR z-scores over time. The girls had higher BMI z-scores (p < 0.001) and lower MFR z-scores than the boys (p = 0.016). The mean HbA1c levels decreased during the first month and at 3 months since diagnosis (p < 0.001), then plateaued and achieved a median overall HbA1c of 7.1% for the entire cohort. At 12 months, 37 participants (37.6%) were in partial clinical remission, as evidenced by IDAA1c ≤ 9. The odds of partial clinical remission at 2 years increased by 2.1-fold for each standard deviation increase in the MFR z-score (p < 0.001). Higher MFR z-scores were associated with better metabolic control.

CONCLUSIONS

Integration of body composition assessments could mitigate adverse body changes in paediatric patients with T1D.

Predictors of the clinical severity of T1DM presentation at diagnosis in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM)

PURPOSE

We aimed to assess factors associated with the presence and severity of ketoacidosis (DKA) at pediatric type 1 diabetes (T1DM) diagnosis, in relation to pancreatic, associated and familial autoimmunity.

METHODS

Antibodies against pancreatic beta-cells, organ specific autoantibodies (thyroid, celiac, and parietal) and family history of autoimmunity were retrospectively evaluated in 116 T1DM patients aged 11.9 ± 4.6 (mean ± SD) years, with disease duration 7.62 ± 3.67 years (mean ± SD).

RESULTS

Most patients (67.2%) presented with DKA at diagnosis. Younger children (< 2 years) had tenfold risk of DKA, compared to older children (12.1-15 years) (OR = 10.8, 95% CI: 1.0-116.9, P = 0.05). Fasting c-peptide levels were lower in the DKA group (OR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.07-0.89, P = 0.033). The number of anti-pancreatic antibodies at disease onset did not show any significant correlations with the presence (p = 0.889) or severity of DKA (p = 0.863). All patients with multiple autoimmunity (> 2 autoimmune diseases plus T1DM) presented with DKA. Familial autoimmunity acted protectively against DKA manifestation (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.16-1.0, P = 0.051).

CONCLUSIONS

Among newly diagnosed T1DM patients, 67.2% presented with DKA. Younger age, lower c-peptide and the presence of associated autoimmunity were predictive factors of the presence and severity of DKA at diagnosis. High degree of suspicion, due to family history, may prevent DKA development and severity.

Disordered eating behaviours in adolescents with type 1 diabetes can be influenced by their weight at diagnosis and rapid weight gain subsequently

AIMS

To assess the prevalence and disease-related risk factors for disordered eating behaviours among adolescents with type 1 diabetes and also to search for risk factors at disease diagnosis that can predict the development of disordered eating behaviours.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study of 291 adolescents aged 15-19 years with type 1 diabetes who completed the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-R) as is routine in our diabetes clinic. The prevalence of disordered eating behaviours and risk factors for their development was assessed.

RESULTS

In 84 (28.9%) adolescents, disordered eating behaviours were found. Disordered eating behaviours were positively associated with female sex (β = 3.01 [SE = 0.97], p = 0.002), higher BMI-Z score (β = 2.08 [SE = 0.49], p < 0.001), higher HbA1c (β = 0.19 [SE = 0.03], p < 0.001) and treatment with multiple daily injections of insulin (β = 2.19 [SE = 1.02], p = 0.032). At type 1 diabetes diagnosis, higher BMI-Z score (β = 1.54 [SE = 0.63], p = 0.016) for those diagnosed before age 13 years and increased weight gain at 3 months post-diagnosis (β = 0.88 [SE = 0.25], p = 0.001) in females diagnosed at age 13 years or older were found to be risk factors for disordered eating behaviours.

CONCLUSIONS

Disordered eating behaviours are common among adolescents with type 1 diabetes and are associated with various parameters, including BMI at diagnosis and the rate of weight gain at 3 months post-diagnosis in females. Our findings highlight the need for early preventive efforts for disordered eating behaviours and interventions to avoid late diabetes complications.

Adequacy of knowledge of new medical graduates about diagnosis and management of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes in a developing country

BACKGROUND

Knowledge of diabetes by the graduate physicians had been reported to be deficient in many aspects of diagnosis and management of type 1 diabetes (T1D). This will reflect on patient care and quality of health services especially in limited-resources countries. Our aim was to assess knowledge of basic management of T1D in new medical graduates in Jordan.

METHODS

A questionnaire was developed to collect information concerning demographics and knowledge and was distributed in paper form and online using google forms. The knowledge was assessed using 28 questions on different aspects of the disease.

RESULTS

A total of 358 new medicine graduates responded to the survey and female respondents were significantly higher than male respondents. Average number of lectures concerning diabetes during the medical school years was 3.92 ± 1.37. High knowledge scores were on pathophysiology of T1D, hypoglycemia, and certain aspects of diabetic ketoacidosis. Female gender, higher number of persons with T1D the participant had encountered during medical school, and good or excellent expected degree of self-knowledge of diabetes were associated with high knowledge score, p values = 0.01, 0.009, and < 0.001, respectively. Female gender and good or excellent expected degree of knowledge of diabetes predicted high knowledge score, p value = 0.008, and < 0.001, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Gaps in knowledge of new medical graduates in certain T1D subjects exist. This can be corrected by many strategies including changes in curricula, elective courses, more clinical exposure, and interprofessional education. These measures must be evaluated for their short and long-term benefits.

Incidence and presentation of new-onset type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents from Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic 2020 and 2021: Current data from the DPV Registry

AIMS

To determine whether the incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D), autoantibody-negative diabetes, and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diabetes onset in 2020 and 2021 changed when compared to long-standing trends.

METHODS

Our study is based on diabetes manifestation data of the 0.5-<18-year-old children/adolescents from the German multicenter Diabetes Prospective Follow-up Registry. Based on long-term pre-pandemic trends from 2011 to 2019, we estimated adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) for T1D and DKA, and prevalence rate ratios (PRR) regarding autoantibody status with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for the years 2020 and 2021 (observed versus predicted rates), using multivariable negative binomial or beta-binomial regression, respectively.

RESULTS

We analyzed data of 30,840 children and adolescents with new-onset T1D. The observed incidences were significantly higher than the predicted incidences (IRR₂₀₂₀ 1.13 [1.08-1.19]; IRR₂₀₂₁ 1.20 [1.15-1.26]). The prevalence of autoantibody-negative diabetes did not change (PRR₂₀₂₀ 0.91 [0.75-1.10]; PRR₂₀₂₁ 1.03 [0.86-1.24]). The incidence of DKA during the pandemic was higher than predicted (IRR₂₀₂₀ 1.34 [1.23-1.46]; IRR₂₀₂₁ 1.37 [1.26-1.49]).

CONCLUSIONS

An increase in the incidences of T1D and DKA, but not of autoantibody-negative diabetes was observed during both pandemic years. Further monitoring and efforts for DKA prevention at onset are necessary.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis at Onset of Type 1 Diabetes and Long-term HbA1c in 7,961 Children and Young Adults in the Australasian Diabetes Data Network

OBJECTIVE

The relationship between diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes and long-term glycemic control varies between studies. We aimed, firstly, to characterize the association of DKA and its severity with long-term HbA1c in a large contemporary cohort, and secondly, to identify other independent determinants of long-term HbA1c.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Participants were 7,961 children and young adults diagnosed with type 1 diabetes by age 30 years from 2000 to 2019 and followed prospectively in the Australasian Diabetes Data Network (ADDN) until 31 December 2020. Linear mixed-effect models related variables to HbA1c.

RESULTS

DKA at diagnosis was present in 2,647 participants (33.2%). Over a median 5.6 (interquartile range 3.2, 9.4) years of follow-up, participants with severe, but not moderate or mild, DKA at diagnosis had a higher mean HbA1c (+0.23%, 95% CI 0.11,0.28; [+2.5 mmol/mol, 95% CI 1.4,3.6]; P < 0.001) compared with those without DKA. Use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) was independently associated with a lower HbA1c (-0.28%, 95% CI -0.31, -0.25; [-3.1 mmol/mol, 95% CI -3.4, -2.8]; P < 0.001) than multiple daily injections, and CSII use interacted with severe DKA to lower predicted HbA1c. Indigenous status was associated with higher HbA1c (+1.37%, 95% CI 1.15, 1.59; [+15.0 mmol/mol, 95% CI 12.6, 17.4]; P < 0.001), as was residing in postcodes of lower socioeconomic status (most vs. least disadvantaged quintile +0.43%, 95% CI 0.34, 0.52; [+4.7 mmol/mol, 95% CI 3.4, 5.6]; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Severe, but not mild or moderate, DKA at diagnosis was associated with a marginally higher HbA1c over time, an effect that was modified by use of CSII. Indigenous status and lower socioeconomic status were independently associated with higher long-term HbA1c.

Multi-Timepoint Metabolic Fingerprinting of a Post-Episode Period of Hypoglycemia and Ketoacidosis Among Children With Type 1 Diabetes

Background: Acute complications of type 1 diabetes mellitus such as diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA) and hypoglycemia (HG) are detrimental in a short- and long-term perspective. Restoration of normoglycemia and correction of pH do not mean that all metabolic disturbances caused by HG or DKA are immediately reversed.

Aim: This study aimed to identify serum metabolic changes caused by an episode of DKA and HG that may indicate the mechanisms contributing to long-term consequences of DKA/HG.

Materials and methods: Four groups of children with type 1 diabetes were recruited. The first two study groups included patients after an episode of DKA or HG, respectively. Additionally, two comparative groups were recruited—children with established type 1 diabetes (EDM) and patients with newly diagnosed diabetes without diabetes ketoacidosis (NDM). Serum samples were collected in three group-specific time points (since the hospital admission): HG 0h-12h–48h; DKA or NDM 0h-24h–72 h; and one random fasting sample from patients with EDM. Two batches of 100 samples each were created: for DKA batch 20 × 3 DKA patients, 10 × 3 NDM and 10 EDM; for HG batch: 10 × 3 HG patients, 25 EDM and 15 × 3 NDM. All patients within the batches were age and sex matched. Metabolic fingerprinting was performed with LC-QTOF-MS.

Results: Four metabolites were associated with a DKA episode occurring in the preceding 72 h: three were found higher after the DKA episode versus comparative groups: lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) (18:1), sphingomyelins (SM) (34:0 and d18:0/15:0), and one was found lower: LPC (18:0). Similarly, four metabolites were identified for the HG episode in the last 48 h: three were found higher after the HG episode versus comparative groups: two lysophosphatidylethanolamines (LPE) (18:2 and 20:3) and one LPC (18:2); and one was found lower after the HG episode: oxy-phosphatidylocholine (PC O-34:4).

Conclusions: We found eight metabolites whose levels may be traced in the serum, indicating the DKA or HG episode for up to 72 h and 48 h, respectively. Acute complications of diabetes may cause persistent metabolic disturbances long after pH and glucose level normalization.

Familial autoimmunity in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and its associations with the severity of clinical presentation at diabetes diagnosis and with coexisting autoimmunity

PURPOSE

The aim was to evaluate the impact of familial autoimmunity on the age and severity of type 1 diabetes (T1D) presentation and on the coexistence of other autoimmune diseases.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 121 children/adolescents (male: 63) followed in our Diabetic Clinic from 2002 to 2016.

RESULTS

Seventy-six patients (62.8%) had at least one relative with an autoimmune disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis (49.5%) and T1D (22.3%) being the commonest. Children with familial autoimmunity were younger at T1D diagnosis (mean age ± SD) (6.766 ± 3.75). Median fasting c-peptide levels at presentation were not related to familial autoimmunity. Patients with familial autoimmunity more often exhibited GADA autoantibody positivity at diagnosis. The larger the number of the patient's relatives diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, the higher were the patient's GADA levels (Spearman's rho test = 0.19, p = 0.049). Children with a first-degree relative with autoimmunity had a coexisting autoimmune disorder at a significantly higher percentage (p = 0.016). Family history of autoimmunity was negatively associated with the presence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) (p = 0.024). Patients with a relative with T1D less frequently exhibited DKA at diagnosis (12.8 vs. 87.2%, p = 0.003). The presence of DKA was associated with younger age (p = 0.05) and lower c-peptide levels (p = 0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

Familial autoimmunity was present in 62.8% of children with T1D, autoimmune thyroiditis and T1D being the two most frequent familial autoimmune diseases. Familial autoimmunity reduced the risk of DKA at diagnosis, but these patients were younger and had higher levels of pancreatic autoantibodies and a greater risk of developing additional autoimmune diseases.

Moderate and severe diabetic ketoacidosis at type 1 diabetes onset in children over two decades: A population-based study of prevalence and long-term glycemic outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To investigate in a population-based pediatric cohort: prevalence of moderate-severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at type 1 diabetes (T1D) diagnosis over two decades and its association with long-term glycemic control.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Children <16 years diagnosed with T1D in Western Australia 2000-2019 were included and followed up for ≤14 years. Moderate-severe DKA at diagnosis was defined as serum pH < 7.2 or bicarbonate<10 mmol/L with hyperglycemia and ketosis. HbA1c was measured ~3-monthly. Trend in prevalence of moderate-severe DKA at diagnosis was investigated using a logistic regression model adjusting for sex, age, socioeconomic status, and area of residence. Long-term glycemic control associated with DKA at diagnosis was investigated using linear mixed models adjusting for the same variables and also for visit frequency, CGM and pump use.

RESULTS

Moderate-severe DKA occurred in 534 of 2111 (25.3%) participants. Odds of presenting with moderate-severe DKA increased by 4.1% (95% CI: 2.3, 5.9; p < 0.001) per year. Patients with moderate-severe DKA at diagnosis had higher HbA1c levels than other patients initially; the groups were similar between 2 and 6 years duration; from 7 years HbA1c levels tracked higher in the group with moderate-severe DKA at diagnosis with significant differences at 8 and 12 years (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The increasing prevalence of DKA at diagnosis of pediatric T1D is concerning and highlights the need for early detection programs. Unlike a similar US study, this study did not find a consistent, clinically significant relationship between DKA at diagnosis and long-term HbA1c, raising important questions about the influence of other factors on long-term glycemic outcomes.

Comparison of the clinical characteristics and outcomes of pediatric patients with and without diabetic ketoacidosis at the time of type 1 diabetes diagnosis

PURPOSE

We investigated the possible effects of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at the initial diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) on the clinical outcomes of pediatric patients.

METHODS

Medical records of children and adolescents with newly diagnosed T1DM seen in the Ajou University Hospital from January 2008 to August 2020 were reviewed and analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 129 diagnosed T1DM patients, 40.3% presented with DKA. Although demographic and basic characteristics did not differ between DKA and non-DKA patients, DKA patients needed a significantly higher insulin dosage than non-DKA patients for 2 years after diagnosis. However, control of glycated hemoglobin was not different between the DKA and non-DKA groups during the observation period. In the biochemical analysis, C-peptide, insulin-like growth factor-1, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, free T4, and T3 values were lower, but thyroid-stimulating hormone, initial serum glucose, uric acid, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol values were higher in DKA patients than non-DKA patients at the diagnosis of T1DM; however, these differences were temporarily present and disappeared with insulin treatment. Other clinical outcomes, such as height, thyroid function, and urine microalbumin level, did not vary significantly between the DKA and non-DKA groups during 5 years of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

DKA at initial presentation reflects the severity of disease progression, and the deleterious effects of DKA seem to impact insulin secretion. Although no difference in long-term prognosis was found, early detection of T1DM should help to reduce DKA-related islet damage and the socioeconomic burden of T1DM.

Alarming increase in ketoacidosis in children and adolescents with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the incidence and severity of ketoacidosis (DKA) at type 1 diabetes diagnosis during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Israel.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A population-based study the product of a national collaboration of Israeli pediatric diabetes centers investigated the presentation of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes. The frequencies of DKA and severe DKA observed during the COVID-19 period from March 15, 2020 (commencement of the first nationwide lockdown) until June 30, 2020 were compared with the same periods in 2019, 2018, and 2017 using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, and socioeconomic position.

RESULTS

During the COVID-19 period, DKA incidence was 58.2%, significantly higher than in 2019 (adjusted OR [aOR] 2.18 [95% CI, 1.31-3.60], P = 0.003); 2018 (aOR 2.05 [95% CI, 1.26-3.34], P = 0.004); and 2017 (aOR, 1.79 [95% CI, 1.09-2.93], P = 0.022). The incidence of severe DKA was 19.9%, significantly higher than in 2018 (aOR, 2.49 [95% CI, 1.20-5.19], P = 0.015) and 2017 (aOR, 2.73 [95% CI, 1.28-5.82], P = 0.009). In 2020, admissions and duration of stay in the intensive care unit were higher than in previous years (P = 0.001). During the COVID-19 pandemic, children aged 6-11 years had higher incidences of DKA (61.3% vs. 34.0%, 40.6%, and 45.1%, respectively, P = 0.012), and severe DKA (29.3% vs. 15.1%, 10.9%, and 5.9%, respectively, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The dramatic increase in DKA at presentation of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic mandates targeted measures to raise public and physician awareness.

Is diabetic ketoacidosis a good predictor of 5-year metabolic control in children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes?

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to evaluate whether the presence of DKA at diabetes diagnosis was associated with poorer metabolic control during a 5-year follow-up.

METHODS

The study included children treated due to newly diagnosed T1D complicated with DKA between 2010 and 2014 with a complete 5-year follow-up. In every case we performed individual matching for age, gender and BMI with a person without DKA (nDKA) on recognition. We collected data regarding treatment modality, HbA_1C, total daily insulin dose, basal insulin and BMI-SDS.

RESULTS

85 children at the median age of 7.93 years had DKA at diabetes diagnosis. The median pH was 7.19.Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) was used in 87% of participants in each group. No differences in HbA_1C level (7,3%vs7,2%;p = .413) were noted after 5 years of disease duration. The severity of ketoacidosis exerted no significant effect on HbA_1C. The method of insulin delivery at baseline was significantly associated with HbA_1C levels after 5 years of observation, β_CSII = - 1.46,95%CI[- 2.01 to - 0.92],p < .001.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of DKA at diabetes diagnosis is not associated with deteriorated long-term metabolic control in children using modern technologies. The early implementation of CSII into diabetes treatment may change the effect of DKA and lead to a long-term HbA_1C improvement.

Features and long-term outcomes of patients hospitalized for diabetic ketoacidosis

BACKGROUND

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute metabolic complication characterized by hyperglycaemia, ketones in blood or urine, and acidosis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to characterize features of patients hospitalized for DKA, to identify triggers for DKA and to evaluate the long-term effects of DKA on glycaemic control, complications of diabetes, re-hospitalizations, and mortality.

METHODS

Historical prospectively collected data of patients hospitalized to medical wards for DKA between 2011 and 2017. Data regarding comorbidities, mortality, triggers, and re-hospitalizations for DKA were also collected.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 160 patients (mean age 38 ± 18 years, 43% male). One fifth of the patients (34 patients, 21%) were newly diagnosed with diabetes, and DKA was their first presentation of the disease. Among the 126 patients with pre-existing diabetes, the common identified triggers for DKA were poor compliance to treatment (22%) and infectious diseases (18%). During over 7 years of follow-up, mortality rate was 9% (15 patients), and re-hospitalization for DKA rate was 31% (50 patients). Risk factors for re-hospitalization for DKA included young age (OR = 1.02, 95% CI, 1.00-1.04), pre-existing diabetes compared to DKA as the first presentation (OR = 5.4, 95% CI, 1.7-18), and poorer glycaemic control before initial hospitalization (10.5 ± 2.5% vs. 9.4 ± 2.2%; OR = 0.8, 95% CI [0.68-0.96]) and after discharge (10.3 ± 2.4% vs. 9.0 ± 1.9%; OR = 0.73, 95% CI [0.61-0.87]). Laboratory tests during the initial hospitalization, smoking, alcohol, or comorbidities did not increase the risk for re-hospitalization for DKA.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk for readmission for DKA is higher for young patients with long duration of diabetes, poor compliance of insulin treatment and poorly controlled diabetes.

Delayed referral is common even when new-onset diabetes is suspected in children. A Swedish prospective observational study of diabetic ketoacidosis at onset of Type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Delayed treatment for new-onset diabetes Type 1 (T1D) can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) with potentially devastating consequences. This prospective observational study aimed to characterize pediatric patients with DKA at hospital admission, regarding parental awareness of diabetes-related symptoms and delayed referrals from primary health care providers to pediatric emergency wards.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients 0-18 years admitted to hospital with new-onset T1D and DKA between 2015 and 2017 were invited to participate. Questionnaires were filled out separately by the caregivers and by the attending hospital staff. Data from the Swedish National Diabetes Registry (SWEDIABKIDS) were used for comparison. Delayed referral was defined as a primary healthcare contact due to diabetes-related symptoms 0-4 weeks before hospital admission without immediate referral, or registered elevated glucose levels at primary healthcare centers without immediate referral.

RESULTS

The study included 237 patients, among which parental suspicion of new-onset diabetes before healthcare contacts was reported in 39%. Parental suspicion of diabetes was associated with higher pH values at diagnosis. Patients in contact with primary health care providers before hospital admission had a delayed referral in 43% of the cases. Delayed referral was associated with lower pH values at hospital admission. Symptoms leading to primary healthcare contacts were similar regardless of whether delay occurred or not.

CONCLUSIONS

Parental suspicion of diabetes was associated with milder DKA at hospital admission. Delayed referral was seen in a considerable proportion of children with primary healthcare contacts for symptoms associated with diabetes. Increased awareness of diabetes symptoms is of paramount importance.

Previous diabetic ketoacidosis as a risk factor for recurrence in a large prospective contemporary pediatric cohort: Results from the DPV initiative

OBJECTIVE

To assess the role of previous episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and their time-lag as risk factors for recurring DKA in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In a population-based analysis, data from 29,325 children and adolescents with T1D and at least 5 years of continuous follow-up were retrieved from the "Diabetes Prospective Follow-up" (DPV) multi-center registry in March 2020. Statistical analyses included unadjusted comparisons, logistic and negative binomial regression models.

RESULTS

Among 29,325 patients with T1D, 86.0% (n = 25,219) reported no DKA, 9.7% (n = 2,833) one, and 4.3% (n = 1,273) more than one episode, corresponding to a DKA rate of 4.4 [95% CI: 4.3-4.6] per 100 patient-years. Female sex, migratory background, higher HbA1c values, higher daily insulin doses, a lower glucose monitoring frequency, and less CGM usage were associated with DKA. In patients with a previous episode, the DKA rate in the most recent year was significantly higher than in patients with no DKA (17.6 [15.9-19.5] vs. 2.8 [2.7-3.1] per 100 patient-years; p < 0.001). Multiple DKAs further increased the recurrence rate. The risk for DKA in the most recent year was higher in patients with an episode in the preceding year than in patients with no previous DKA (OR: 10.0 [95% CI: 8.6-11.8]), and remained significantly elevated 4 years after an episode (OR: 2.3 [1.6-3.1]; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Each episode of DKA is an independent risk factor for recurrence, even 4 years after an event, underlining the importance of a close follow-up after each episode.

Diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis among youth with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: Results from SEARCH (United States) and YDR (India) registries

BACKGROUND

There is significant global variation in the prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis among youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, data for youth with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are limited, even in developed countries. We compared the prevalence of DKA at diagnosis among individuals with T1D and T2D from the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth (SEARCH) and the Registry of Youth Onset Diabetes in India (YDR) registries.

METHODS

We harmonized the SEARCH and YDR registries to the structure and terminology in the Observational Medical Outcome Partnership Common Data Model. Data used were from youth with T1D and T2D diagnosed before 20 years and newly diagnosed between 2006 and 2012 in YDR and 2009 and 2012 in SEARCH.

RESULTS

There were 5366 US youth (4078 with T1D, 1288 with T2D) and 2335 Indian youth (2108 with T1D, 227 with T2D). More than one third of T1D youth enrolled in SEARCH had DKA at diagnosis which was significantly higher than in YDR (35.3% vs 28.7%, P < .0001). The burden of DKA in youth with T1D was significantly higher among younger age groups; this relationship was similar across registries (P = .4). The prevalence of DKA among T2D in SEARCH and YDR were 5.5% and 6.6% respectively (P = .4).

CONCLUSIONS

There is significant burden of DKA at diagnosis with T1D among youth from United States and India, especially among the younger age groups. The reasons for this high prevalence are largely unknown but are critical to developing interventions to prevent DKA at diagnosis.

Diabetic ketoacidosis: update on management

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is not a rare presentation to hospital, despite being an entirely preventable condition. A concerning number of people also develop DKA while already in hospital. Management of DKA has changed in the last decade, and national guidelines introduced, to help standardise care, spread best practice, and reduce mortality and morbidity.

3D Bioprinting and Translation of Beta Cell Replacement Therapies for Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's own immune system selectively attacks beta cells within pancreatic islets resulting in insufficient insulin production and loss of the ability to regulate blood glucose (BG) levels. Currently, the standard of care consists of BG level monitoring and insulin administration, which are essential to avoid the consequences of dysglycemia and long-term complications. Although recent advances in continuous glucose monitoring and automated insulin delivery systems have resulted in improved clinical outcomes for users, nearly 80% of people with T1D fail to achieve their target hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels defined by the American Diabetes Association. Intraportal islet transplantation into immunosuppressed individuals with T1D suffering from impaired awareness of hypoglycemia has resulted in lower HbA1c, elimination of severe hypoglycemic events, and insulin independence, demonstrating the unique potential of beta cell replacement therapy (BCRT) in providing optimal glycemic control and a functional cure for T1D. BCRTs need to maximize cell engraftment, long-term survival, and function in the absence of immunosuppression to provide meaningful clinical outcomes to all people living with T1D. One innovative technology that could enable widespread translation of this approach into the clinic is three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting. Herein, we review how bioprinting could facilitate translation of BCRTs as well as the current and forthcoming techniques used for bioprinting of a BCRT product. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of 3D bioprinting in this context in addition to the road ahead for the development of BCRTs. Impact statement Significant research developments in beta cell replacement therapies show its promise in providing a functional cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D); yet, their widespread clinical use has been difficult to achieve. This review provides a brief overview of the requirements for a beta cell replacement product followed by a discussion on both the promise and limitations of three-dimensional bioprinting in facilitating the fabrication of such products to enable translation into the clinic. Advancements in this area could be a key component to unlocking the safety and effectiveness of beta cell therapy for T1D.

Temporal trends in diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis of paediatric type 1 diabetes between 2006 and 2016: results from 13 countries in three continents

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this work was to evaluate geographical variability and trends in the prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), between 2006 and 2016, at the diagnosis of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes in 13 countries over three continents.

METHODS

An international retrospective study on DKA at diagnosis of diabetes was conducted. Data on age, sex, date of diabetes diagnosis, ethnic minority status and presence of DKA at diabetes onset were obtained from Australia, Austria, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, USA and the UK (Wales). Mean prevalence was estimated for the entire period, both overall and by country, adjusted for sex and age group. Temporal trends in annual prevalence of DKA were estimated using logistic regression analysis for each country, before and after adjustment for sex, age group and ethnic minority status.

RESULTS

During the study period, new-onset type 1 diabetes was diagnosed in 59,000 children (median age [interquartile range], 9.0 years [5.5-11.7]; male sex, 52.9%). The overall adjusted DKA prevalence was 29.9%, with the lowest prevalence in Sweden and Denmark and the highest in Luxembourg and Italy. The adjusted DKA prevalence significantly increased over time in Australia, Germany and the USA while it decreased in Italy. Preschool children, adolescents and children from ethnic minority groups were at highest risk of DKA at diabetes diagnosis in most countries. A significantly higher risk was also found for females in Denmark, Germany and Slovenia.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

DKA prevalence at type 1 diabetes diagnosis varied considerably across countries, albeit it was generally high and showed a slight increase between 2006 and 2016. Increased awareness of symptoms to prevent delay in diagnosis is warranted, especially in preschool children, adolescents and children from ethnic minority groups.

Cost and Cost-effectiveness of Large-scale Screening for Type 1 Diabetes in Colorado

OBJECTIVE

To assess the costs and project the potential lifetime cost-effectiveness of the ongoing Autoimmunity Screening for Kids (ASK) program, a large-scale, presymptomatic type 1 diabetes screening program for children and adolescents in the metropolitan Denver region.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We report the resource utilization, costs, and effectiveness measures from the ongoing ASK program compared with usual care (i.e., no screening). Additionally, we report a practical screening scenario by including utilization and costs relevant to routine screening in clinical practice. Finally, we project the potential cost-effectiveness of ASK and routine screening by identifying clinical benchmarks (i.e., diabetic ketoacidosis [DKA] events avoided, HbA_1c improvements vs. no screening) needed to meet value thresholds of $50,000-$150,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained over a lifetime horizon.

RESULTS

Cost per case detected was $4,700 for ASK screening and $14,000 for routine screening. To achieve value thresholds of $50,000-$150,000 per QALY gained, screening costs would need to be offset by cost savings through 20% reductions in DKA events at diagnosis in addition to 0.1% (1.1 mmol/mol) improvements in HbA_1c over a lifetime compared with no screening for patients who develop type 1 diabetes. Value thresholds were not met from avoiding DKA events alone in either scenario.

CONCLUSIONS

Presymptomatic type 1 diabetes screening may be cost-effective in areas with a high prevalence of DKA and an infrastructure facilitating screening and monitoring if the benefits of avoiding DKA events and improved HbA_1c persist over long-run time horizons. As more data are collected from ASK, the model will be updated with direct evidence on screening effects.

Factors predicting poor glycemic control in the first two years of childhood onset type 1 diabetes in a cohort from East London, UK: Analyses using mixed effects fractional polynomial models

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Poor early glycemic control in childhood onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) is associated with future risk of acute and chronic complications. Our aim was to identify the predictors of higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) within 24 months of T1D diagnosis in children and adolescents.

METHODS

Mixed effects models with fractional polynomials were used to analyze longitudinal data of patients <19 years of age, followed from T1D diagnosis for up to 2 years, at three diabetes clinics in East London, United Kingdom.

RESULTS

A total of 2209 HbA1c observations were available for 356 patients (52.5% female; 64.4% non-white), followed from within 3 months of diagnosis during years 2005 to 2015, with a mean ± SD of 6.2 ± 2.5 HbA1c observations/participant. The mean age and HbA1c at diagnosis were 8.9 ± 4.3 years and 10.7% ±4.3% (or expressed as mmol/mol HbA1c mean ± SD 92.9 ± 23.10 mmol/mol) respectively. Over the 2 years following T1D diagnosis, HbA1c levels were mostly above the National Institute for Health, Care and Excellence (NICE), UK recommendations of 7.5% (<58 mmol/mol). Significant (P < .05) predictors of poorer glycemic control were: Age at diagnosis (12-18 years), higher HbA1c at baseline (>9.5%, ie, >80 mmol/mol), clinic site, non-white ethnicity, and period (pre-year 2011) of diagnosis. Additionally in univariable analyses, frequency of clinic visits, HbA1c at diagnosis, and type of insulin treatment regimen showed association with poor glycemic control (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Major risk factors of poorer glycemic control during 3-24 months following childhood onset T1D are: diagnosis prior to 2011, higher HbA1c levels at baseline, age at diagnosis, non-white ethnicity, and clinic site.

Association of diabetic ketoacidosis and HbA1c at onset with year-three HbA1c in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: Data from the International SWEET Registry

OBJECTIVE

To establish whether diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or HbA1c at onset is associated with year-three HbA1c in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

METHODS

Children with T1D from the SWEET registry, diagnosed <18 years, with documented clinical presentation, HbA1c at onset and follow-up were included. Participants were categorized according to T1D onset: (a) DKA (DKA with coma, DKA without coma, no DKA); (b) HbA1c at onset (low [<10%], medium [10 to <12%], high [≥12%]). To adjust for demographics, linear regression was applied with interaction terms for DKA and HbA1c at onset groups (adjusted means with 95% CI). Association between year-three HbA1c and both HbA1c and presentation at onset was analyzed (Vuong test).

RESULTS

Among 1420 children (54% males; median age at onset 9.1 years [Q1;Q3: 5.8;12.2]), 6% of children experienced DKA with coma, 37% DKA without coma, and 57% no DKA. Year-three HbA1c was lower in the low compared to high HbA1c at onset group, both in the DKA without coma (7.1% [6.8;7.4] vs 7.6% [7.5;7.8], P = .03) and in the no DKA group (7.4% [7.2;7.5] vs 7.8% [7.6;7.9], P = .01), without differences between low and medium HbA1c at onset groups. Year-three HbA1c did not differ among HbA1c at onset groups in the DKA with coma group. HbA1c at onset as an explanatory variable was more closely associated with year-three HbA1c compared to presentation at onset groups (P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Year-three HbA1c is more closely related to HbA1c than to DKA at onset; earlier hyperglycemia detection might be crucial to improving year-three HbA1c.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus management in young children: implementation of current technologies

The use of advanced technologies for diabetes management is on the rise among pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), continuous glucose monitoring, predictive low glucose suspend, hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery systems-all enable better diabetes management and glycemic control. However, when used by children, and especially very young children, specific aspects must be taken into consideration, including technical parameters, ease of use, parental stress, and satisfaction. The unique characteristics of T1D in children aged <6 years are reviewed and studies of the pros and cons of different technologies in this specific age group are presented. Addressing such issues when implementing advanced technologies among very young children with T1D will enable better diabetes management and will hopefully ease a tremendous burden of both children and families.

Medical Costs Among Youth Younger Than 20 Years of Age With and Without Diabetic Ketoacidosis at the Time of Diabetes Diagnosis

OBJECTIVE

While diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is common in youth at the onset of the diabetes, the excess costs associated with DKA are unknown. We aimed to quantify the health care services use and medical care costs related to the presence of DKA at diagnosis of diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed data from the U.S. MarketScan claims database for 4,988 enrollees aged 3-19 years insured in private fee-for-service plans and newly diagnosed with diabetes during 2010-2016. Youth with and without DKA at diabetes diagnosis were compared for mean health care service use (outpatient, office, emergency room, and inpatient visits) and medical costs (outpatient, inpatient, prescription drugs, and total) for 60 days prior to and 60 days after diabetes diagnosis. A two-part model using generalized linear regression and logistic regression was used to estimate medical costs, controlling for age, sex, rurality, health plan, year, presence of hypoglycemia, and chronic pulmonary condition. All costs were adjusted to 2016 dollars.

RESULTS

At diabetes diagnosis, 42% of youth had DKA. In the 60 days prior to diabetes diagnosis, youth with DKA at diagnosis had less health services usage (e.g., number of outpatient visits: -1.17; P < 0.001) and lower total medical costs (-$635; P < 0.001) compared with youth without DKA at diagnosis. In the 60 days after diagnosis, youth with DKA had significantly greater health care services use and health care costs ($6,522) compared with those without DKA.

CONCLUSIONS

Among youth with newly diagnosed diabetes, DKA at diagnosis is associated with significantly higher use of health care services and medical costs.

Increasing prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis at diabetes diagnosis among children in Quebec: a population-based retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Diabetic ketoacidosis at type 1 diabetes diagnosis is a preventable life-threatening complication. Canadian data on the temporal trends of the prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis at the onset of type 1 diabetes in children are unknown. We aimed to determine the temporal changes in diabetic ketoacidosis prevalence at diabetes diagnosis in Quebec.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based cohort study of children (aged 1-17 yr) living in Quebec who were diagnosed with diabetes between 2001 and 2014, using multiple health administrative linked databases available at the Institut national de santé publique du Québec through the Quebec Integrated Chronic Surveillance System. We used multivariate Poisson regression analysis with robust error variance to determine trends in the prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis.

RESULTS

We found that 25.6% (1471/5741) of children presented with diabetic ketoacidosis at diabetes diagnosis. The incidence of diabetes was stable at 30 cases per 100 000 children per year during the study period. The age- and sex-standardized rates of diabetic ketoacidosis increased from 22% (95% confidence interval [CI] 17%-26%) in 2001 to 30% (95% CI 24%-36%) in 2014. The relative increase of diabetic ketoacidosis prevalence at diabetes diagnosis over the study period was 2.0% per year (rate ratio 1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.03).

INTERPRETATION

Despite a stable incidence of type 1 diabetes, we found that the prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis at diabetes onset increased between 2001 and 2014. Our findings are concerning and demonstrate a need to continue to campaign to recognize type 1 diabetes before diabetic ketoacidosis supervenes.

Understanding Pre-Type 1 Diabetes: The Key to Prevention

While the incidence of type 1 diabetes continues to rise by 3% each year, the ability to prevent this disease remains elusive. Hybrid closed loop devices, artificial pancreas systems, and continuous glucose monitoring technology have helped to ease the daily burden for many people living with type 1 diabetes. However, the artificial pancreas is not a cure; more research is needed to achieve our ultimate goal of preventing type 1 diabetes. The preceding decades have generated a wealth of information regarding the natural history of pre-type 1 diabetes. Islet autoimmunity in the form of multiple autoantibodies is known to be highly predictive of progression to disease. Staging systems have been devised to better characterize pre-type 1, direct mechanistic understanding of disease, and guide the design of prevention studies. However, there are no evidence-based recommendations for practitioners caring for autoantibody patients other than to encourage enrollment in research studies. Close monitoring of high-risk patients in natural history studies markedly reduces diabetic ketoacidosis rates at diagnosis and research participation is critical to finding a means of preventing type 1 diabetes. The discovery of an effective preventative strategy for type 1 diabetes will justify universal risk screening for all children.