Global and regional estimates of the morbidity due to type I diabetes among children aged 0-4 years: a systematic review and analysis

We Are on the Verge of Breakthrough Cures for Type 1 Diabetes, but Who Are the 2 Million Americans Who Have It?

Background: Two million Americans have type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Innovative treatments have standardized insulin delivery and improved outcomes for patients, but patients' access to such technologies depends on social determinants of health, including insurance coverage, proper diagnosis, and appropriate patient supports. Prior estimates of US prevalence, incidence, and patient characteristics have relied on data from select regions and younger ages and miss important determinants. Objectives: This study sought to use large, nationally representative healthcare claims data sets to holistically estimate the size of the current US population with T1DM and investigate geographic nuances in prevalence and incidence, patient demographics, insurance coverage, and device use. This work also aimed to project T1DM population growth over the next 10 years. Methods: We used administrative claims from 4 sources to identify prevalent and incident T1DM patients in the US, as well as various demographic and insurance characteristics of the patient population. We combined this data with information from national population growth projections and literature to construct an actuarial model to project growth of the T1DM population based on current trends and scenarios for 2024, 2029, and 2033. Results: We estimated 2.07 million T1DM patients nationally across all insurance coverages in our 2024 baseline model year: 1.79 million adults (≥20 years) and 0.28 million children. This represents a US T1DM prevalence rate of 617 per 100 000 and an incidence rate of 0.016%. By 2033, we project the US population with T1DM will grow by about 10%, reaching approximately 2.29 million patients. Discussion: Our results showed important differences in T1DM prevalence and incidence across regions, payers, and ethnic groups. This suggests studies based on more geographically concentrated data may miss important variation in prevalence and incidence across regions. It also indicates T1DM prevalence tends to vary by income, consistent with several international studies. Conclusions: Accurate projections of T1DM population growth are critical to ensure appropriate healthcare coverage and reimbursement for treatments. Our work supports future policy and research efforts with 2024, 2029, and 2033 projections of demographics and insurance coverage for people with T1DM.

Quality of Life and Glucose Regulation in Pediatric Patients with Type 1 Diabetes: A Study in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region

Objective

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the current status of the quality of life (QOL) of pediatric patients and plasma glucose concentration regulation in children with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) in the Ningxia Hui autonomous region.

Methods

The study involved children with T1DM admitted to the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University between October 2011 and October 2021. The children and their parents completed general information and quality of life (QOL) questionnaires. The regulation of plasma glucose concentration was assessed based on HbA1c levels, and plasma glucose and QOL-influencing components were investigated.

Results

Among the 136 pediatric patients diagnosed with T1DM, the mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level was recorded at 8.7% (7.2%, 10.5%). A breakdown of the patient cohort revealed that 44 patients (32.4%) demonstrated good regulation of plasma glucose, 33 patients (24.3%) exhibited acceptable glycemic control, and 59 patients (43.3%) displayed poor regulation of plasma glucose. The control of plasma glucose in pediatric patients diagnosed with T1DM was affected by the duration of the disease, the patient's age, the frequency of daily plasma glucose measurements, the use of CGM, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and the education level of the mother. The control of plasma glucose, dietary management, DKA, the ability to learn, and health education are interfering factors of quality of life in children diagnosed with T1DM. Effective control of plasma glucose may ensure the QOL in children with T1DM, and DKA was the risk factor for QOL.

Conclusion

In Ningxia, the regulation of plasma glucose in pediatric and adolescent patients with T1DM remains suboptimal, leading to poor QOL. There is a pressing need to enhance glucose regulation and QOL through comprehensive strategies, which include reinforced dietary management, rigorous monitoring of plasma glucose levels, and heightened health education levels.

Incidence and trends of type 1 diabetes before and after 2000 in the Western Pacific Region: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To undertake a systematic review of publications describing Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) incidence, trends over time and associated factors in the Western Pacific Region (WPR).

METHODS

As per the PROSPERO-registered (CRD42019122646) protocol English (MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health) and Chinese data-bases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, Wanfang) from onset to 31/12/2019 were searched for T1DM incidence in the WPR. Country level data extracted included annual crude incidence rates by sex, number of new cases per annum (p.a.) and cumulatively, and the population at-risk. A meta-analysis for T1DM incidence was performed (by region and narrow age-bands, where possible) with subgroup analyses by time and by region.

FINDINGS

Forty-five population-based studies (21 from China), published 1973-2017, estimated T1DM incidence, mostly in youth, in 11 WPR countries. After 2000, mean annual T1DM incidence/100,000 person years aged 0-14 years ranged from 0.9 (95 % confidence intervals (CI), 0.6-1.3) in Fiji to 23.2 (95 % CI, 21.3-25.2) in Australia. The mean annual increase over time ranged from 2.8 % in Australia (1990-2002) to 14.2 % in Shanghai (1997-2011). T1DM incidence increased most in China (2.7-fold over 30-years) then Thailand (2-fold over 15-years). Most studies documented increasing incidence with age, though only two studies included people aged ≥ 20 years. Many, but not all studies reported significantly higher T1DM incidence in females vs. males.

CONCLUSION

T1DM incidence in the WPR is generally increasing, varying by age, sex, time and country. Results increase understanding of regional T1DM incidence and inform research and healthcare strategies.

Cytomorphometric Analysis of Exfoliated Buccal Mucosal Cells and DNA Repair Proficiency in Peripheral Lymphocytes in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

The aim of this study was to analyze the cytomorphometric changes in the buccal mucosal smears and to correlate the cytomorphometric findings and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients. In addition, DNA repair proficiency in peripheral lymphocytes of T1D patients was evaluated. Smears from the clinically normal buccal mucosa of 46 healthy subjects as controls and randomly selected 45 T1D patients, were stained using the Papanicolaou method, and the mean values (μm2) of nuclear area (NA), cytoplasmic area (CA), and cytoplasmic: nucleus ratio (CNR) were obtained for each patient. DNA damage in diabetics and control subjects was tested on peripheral blood samples using an in vitro mutagen sensitivity assay. Statistical analysis included Student's t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation test to correlate cytomorphometric changes with HbA1c levels in both T1D and healthy control groups. The mean NA and CA values were higher in T1D while the mean CNR was found to be higher in the healthy control group. Statistical significance between the two groups was found only for the mean NA (P < 0.001) and mean CNR values (P < 0.001). A significant correlation was seen between HbA1c and CNR in both the T1D group (P = 0.015) and the healthy control group (P = 0.02). Significant differences were noted between the T1D and control subjects with regard to the frequency of damaged cells and DNA repair proficiency (P < 0.05). Significant cytomorphometric alterations were detected in the buccal mucosal cells of diabetic patients, which may aid in the early detection of diabetes or predict the risk for future disease complications among T1D patients.

Clinical characteristics of 683 children and adolescents, aged 0-18 years, newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Henan Province: a single-center study

BACKGROUND

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a common chronic systemic disease that threatens the health of children worldwide. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the most severe acute complication of diabetes and can lead to death. This study aimed to explore the epidemiological features, clinical manifestations, and risk factors for DKA in children and adolescents newly diagnosed with T1DM in the Department of Endocrinology of the Children's Hospital of Henan Province.

METHODS

Medical records of 683 children and adolescents newly diagnosed with T1DM in our center from March 2014 to November 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The data included the general condition, laboratory indexes, and clinical symptoms. The patients were divided into three groups according to age: Group I, 0-3 years; Group II, 4-9 years; and Group III, 10-18 years.

RESULTS

The incidence of DKA was 62.96% and was highest in Group I. Group I had the lowest C-peptide and hemoglobin A1c, but the highest blood glucose at first diagnosis, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels, hospitalization lengths, and medical costs. 25.5% of the children were delayed in diagnosis. Logistic regression analysis showed that elevated HbA1c levels and hyperglycemia were independent risk factors for DKA. On the other hand, C-peptide and 25- hydroxyvitamin D were protective factors for DKA.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of DKA among children and adolescents in the Henan Province is very high. Moreover, DKA can be easily delayed in diagnosis. Newly diagnosed infants with T1DM are more likely to present with DKA, suffer more severe metabolic disorders, endure longer hospital stays, and accrue higher medical costs.

Pathophysiology of Type 1 Diabetes and Gut Microbiota Role

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease driven by T-cells against the insulin-producing islet β-cells, resulting in a marked loss of β-cell mass and function. Although a genetic predisposal increases susceptibility, the role of epigenetic and environmental factors seems to be much more significant. A dysbiotic gut microbial profile has been associated with T1D patients. Moreover, new evidence propose that perturbation in gut microbiota may influence the T1D onset and progression. One of the prominent features in clinically silent phase before the onset of T1D is the presence of a microbiota characterized by low numbers of commensals butyrate producers, thus negatively influencing the gut permeability. The loss of gut permeability leads to the translocation of microbes and microbial metabolites and could lead to the activation of immune cells. Moreover, microbiota-based therapies to slow down disease progression or reverse T1D have shown promising results. Starting from this evidence, the correction of dysbiosis in early life of genetically susceptible individuals could help in promoting immune tolerance and thus in reducing the autoantibodies production. This review summarizes the associations between gut microbiota and T1D for future therapeutic perspectives and other exciting areas of research.

Increasing trend of type 1 diabetes incidence in the pediatric population of the Calabria region in 2019-2021

BACKGROUND

Although type 1 diabetes (T1D) represents one of the most common chronic diseases in pediatric age, few studies on the epidemiology of T1D exist globally and the exact prevalence and incidence rates of the disease are unknown. In many countries, including Italy, national registries are missing.

METHODS

This study aims to assess T1D incidence in the pediatric population of the Calabria region (southern Italy) in the period 2019-2021. The secondary objective was to describe the main demographical, clinical and immunological features of incident cases. Case ascertainment and all clinical data were assessed by retrospectively reviewing the electronic medical records of children and adolescents diagnosed with diabetes at any Pediatric Diabetes Center belonging to the Rete Diabetologica Calabrese (Calabria Region Diabetes Network), from January 2019 to December 2021. The incidence of T1D was estimated for the entire region and was stratified according to age group (0-4 years, 5-9 years, and 10-14 years) and gender. Standardized incidence ratios for each province in the region were also calculated.

RESULTS

The crude incidence of T1D was 20.6/100,000 person/years. Incidence rates were higher among females and children aged 5-9 years. The crude incidence of T1D was higher in the province of Reggio Calabria (26.5/100,000 person-years). The provinces of Crotone, Catanzaro, and Vibo Valentia showed significantly lower standardized incidence ratios. The annual incidence in the region progressively increased by 43% during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed a relatively high incidence in the Calabria region. The marked increasing incidence trend over the past two years could be related to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but further long-scale population-based studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Diabetes in Youth: A Global Perspective

Diabetes is a common disease among pediatric populations in the United States and worldwide. The incidence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes is increasing, with disproportional increases in racial/ethnic subpopulations. As the prevalence of obesity continue to increase, type 2 diabetes now represents a major form of pediatric diabetes. The management of diabetes in youth centers on maintaining glycemic control to prevent acute and chronic complications. This article summarizes the epidemiology, etiology, management, and complications of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in youth, as well as future directions and opportunities.

Humanoid robot-assisted interventions among children with diabetes: A systematic scoping review

BACKGROUND

Although the humanoid robot is highly engaging for children, whether humanoid robot-assisted interventions could help in diabetes management is still unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This review aimed to elucidate the roles of humanoid robot in managing diabetes and observe the effects of humanoid robot-assisted interventions among children with type I diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework was used to conduct this scoping review.

DATA RESOURCE

We conducted a comprehensive search in 10 databases, including IEEE Xplore Digital Library, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, WanFang, and CNKI, from May 1, 1989 to February 1, 2020. The reference lists of key texts were examined and citation chaining was conducted. In addition, our team searched gray literature and relevant journals to maximise the searching.

REVIEW METHODS

Two independent reviewers examined all full articles for fitness with the eligibility criteria. Items of data extraction included the characteristics of articles, description of intervention, and mechanism of humanoid robot in improving the management of children with diabetes.

RESULTS

A total of 2,755 articles were retrieved, 22 of which were included from five countries across different ethnicities. Five roles of humanoid robots in managing diabetes among children with type I diabetes mellitus were identified: disease manager, educator, advocator, emotional supporter, and communicator. To some extent, effects seem to be related to the positive improvement of affective, experiential, relational, cognitive, and behavioral perspectives from humanoid robot-assisted intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The roles of humanoids have been designed to perform their multidomain functionality. Although many positive effects were observed, the majority of selected articles have methodological issues. Future studies need an improved methodology for large-scale controlled trials.

Microbiota in pancreatic health and disease: the next frontier in microbiome research

Diseases intrinsic to the pancreas such as pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and type 1 diabetes mellitus impart substantial health and financial burdens on society but identification of novel mechanisms contributing to these pathologies are slow to emerge. A novel area of research suggests that pancreatic-specific disorders might be modulated by the gut microbiota, either through a local (direct pancreatic influence) or in a remote (nonpancreatic) fashion. In this Perspectives, we examine literature implicating microorganisms in diseases of the pancreas, specifically pancreatitis, type 1 diabetes mellitus and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. We also discuss evidence of an inherent pancreatic microbiota and the influence of the intestinal microbiota as it relates to disease association and development. In doing so, we address pitfalls in the current literature and areas of investigation that are needed to advance a developing field of research that has clinical potential to reduce the societal burden of pancreatic diseases.

Emerging role of air pollution in autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are a broad spectrum of disorders featured by the body's immune responses being directed against its own tissues, resulting in prolonged inflammation and subsequent tissue damage. Recently, the exposure to ambient air pollution has been implicated in the occurrence and development of ADs. Mechanisms linking air pollution exposures and ADs mainly include systemic inflammation, increased oxidative stress, epigenetic modifications induced by exposures and immune response caused by airway damage. The lung may be an autoimmunity initiation site in autoimmune diseases (ADs). Air pollutants can bind to the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) to regulate Th17 and Treg cells. Oxidative stress and inducible bronchus associated lymphoid tissue caused by the pollutants can influence T, B cells, resulting in the production of proinflammatory cytokines. These cytokines stimulate B cell and dendritic cells, resulting in a lot of antibodies and self-reactive T lymphocytes. Moreover, air pollutants may induce epigenetic changes to contribute to ADs. In this review, we will concern the associations between air pollution and immune-inflammatory responses, as well as mechanisms linking air pollution exposure and autoimmunity. In addition, we focus on the potential roles of air pollution in major autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).