Study of glycaemic control and microalbuminuria in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Background: There is a lacuna in the literature concerning children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (TIDM) and glycaemic control and the occurrence of microalbuminuria in the Indian sub-continent.

Objectives: To study the glycaemic control based on glycated haemoglobin level (HbA1C) and risk and occurrence of microalbuminuria in children with TIDM.

Study design: Prospective observational study.

Participants: Children between the ages of 1-18 years with diabetes of six or more months.

Outcome: Glycaemic control based on HbA1C, occurrence and relation of microalbuminuria to age, sex, HbA1C, hypertension and body mass index (BMI) were studied.

Results: Fifty two (M: F=1.25:1) children were included in the study with 48 children completing their second visit (6 months after the 1st visit). Ideal glycaemic control (HbA1C<7.5%) was observed only in 6 (12.5%) children in the study group. No significant relationship was observed between the duration of diabetes and HbA1C levels (p=0.64). Nineteen (36.5%) children had microalbuminuria. No significant differences were found in the sex, age groups, HbA1C and insulin dosage per day between children with and without microalbuminuria. Median BMI was 15.7 kg/m² and 13.5 kg/m² in the groups with and without microalbuminuria respectively (p=0.003).

Conclusions: Ideal glycaemic control was observed only in 12.5% children in the study group. No statistically significant relationship was observed between the duration of diabetes, sex or age and HbA1C levels in the present study. No significant differences were found in the sex, age groups, HbA1C and insulin dosage per day between children with and without microalbuminuria. However, median BMI had a significant positive association with urinary albumin excretion.

Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2021; 50(1): 38-42