Clinical and sociodemographic profile of type 1 diabetes mellitus cases in a tertiary care hospital of North India

Abstract

Background: Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic metabolic diseases in childhood and adolescence1 and its prevalence
is rapidly increasing throughout the world.2 The objective of this study is to determine the clinical and socio demographic profile of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi. A total of 156 adolescents aged between 13 to 19 years old diagnosed with T1DM were included in the study. Data was collected via structured questionnaire and medical records of patients attending diabetic clinic at the time of follow up in outpatient department. After getting an informed consent following data were collected sociodemographic features like age, sex, economic status, family history of parents, details of feeding habits in child hood, existing comorbidities etc. Investigations like HBA1C, cholesterol and triglycerides were obtained. A descriptive analysis was done by SPSS software and results are expressed in percentages, scatter charts, linear charts, column charts and pie charts. Results- Out of 156, majority of adolescents were males 87 (55.7%). The median age of onset of type 1 diabetes was 11 years with a range of (8-13). 113 (72.4%) adolescents were residing in urban area. Majority of them 52 (33.3%) has studied up to middle class, were Hindu 126 (80.7%). Regarding socio economics status, 54 (34.6%) adolescents having a family income between 20,001- 30,000 Rs per month followed by 52 (33.3%) Rs per month. Polyuria 77 (49%) was found to be the commonest symptom followed by polydipsia 34 (22%), weight loss 23 (15%) and polyphagia 22 (14%), 60% presented with diabetic ketoacidosis as presenting symptom. Majority of the participants were administering insulin through the syringe 113 (72.4%) and 106 (68%) had positive family history of diabetes. 56 (36%) has been hospitalized in last six month, among
them 51 (91%) got admitted due to diabetes ketoacidosis. Mean Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) value was 10.3±2.4.On studying the
breastfeeding of adolescents out of 156 cases 97 (62.1%) had exclusive breastfeeding till 5th month. 13 (8.3%) were having short stature, 18 (11.5%) have abnormal T3, T4 hormone levels. The median body mass index was 18.7 (16.3-20.5), weight was 42 kg (35-48) and height was 152 cm (142-158).
Conclusion: Polyuria was the most common presenting symptom followed by polydipsia, weight loss and polyphagia. Moreover, most of the children had landed up in diabetic keto-acidosis (DKA) at the time of diagnosis. Therefore, awareness programme should be done in rural community for parents and health care professionals regarding T1DM for early recognition and prompt treatment.