Clinical characteristics and perspectives of children and youths with type 1 diabetes attending Patan hospital, Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM1) is one of the chronic diseases of childhood. Studies around the world have reported a high proportion of patients presenting initially as diabetic ketoacidosis, more in resource-poor settings like ours. This study was designed to assess the basic demographic and clinical characteristics of DM1 patients as well as their perception of diabetes management. 

Method: This is a cross-sectional prospective study comprising of a questionnaire-based survey on young patients with DM1 presenting to Medical and Paediatric Referral Clinics of Patan Hospital.

Result: Fifty-eight patients were enrolled in the study. Diabetic ketoacidosis was the initial presentation in 27 (47%) patients. Only 15 (27.7%) of patients had achieved age-specific goals of the HbA1c target. Financial issues and difficulty to come for regular follow-ups were the most common problems in diabetes management.

Conclusion: Diabetic ketoacidosis was the most common initial presentation in DM1 patients, a potential life life-threatening clinical condition. Thus higher sensitivity is required among physicians to diagnose it earlier. Patients and their parents were facing various difficulties due to diabetes and a high proportion of them didn’t have adequate control of the disease, indicating the need for continuous patient education.