Incidence and characteristics of newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus in children at a tertiary care hospital

Background: India is experiencing a growing burden of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), especially among children and adolescents. Despite this rise, regional data on incidence and clinical characteristics are limited.
Objectives: To describe the clinical features and characteristics of newly diagnosed T1DM in children aged 1-16 years at a tertiary care centre.
Method: A prospective study was conducted in the paediatric department of Dr S N Medical College, Jodhpur, India. Children aged 1–16 years with newly diagnosed T1DM were enrolled and classified by age and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) status. Data were analysed using SPSS version 22.
Results: A total of 53 patients was included, with an incidence of 18 per 100,000. Most cases occurred in the 5–10 years age group, with a female predominance (F:M 2.5:1); 60.4% were from rural areas. Common symptoms were polydipsia (75.5%), polyuria (69.8%), and vomiting (56.6%). DKA was present in 76.3% of patients, mostly severe, and was significantly correlated with elevated HbA1c levels. Comorbidities included hepatitis and coeliac disease. Mortality was 7.5%.
Conclusions: In this study incidence of TIDM was 18 per 100,000.  Female to male ratio was 2.5:1; 60.4% were from rural areas. Common symptoms were polydipsia, polyuria, and vomiting. DKA was present in 76.3%. Mortality was 7.5%.