Change in Body Mass Index in Youth in the First 5 Years After Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Diagnosis

Abstract

ObjectiveExamine body mass index (BMI) trajectories in American youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) over the first 5 years following diagnosis. MethodsRetrospective record review of BMI trajectories in youth with T1D diagnosed in 2015 to 2016. ResultsNear the time of diabetes diagnosis, 35.5% of youth had BMIs in the overweight/obesity range. These rates increased over time (P < .001), with 52.8% having overweight/obesity 5 years after diagnosis. Average age when BMI rose from healthy to overweight/obese or overweight to obese (rise group) was at 12.7 years, occurring 2.5 years after diagnosis. There were no differences between hemoglobin A1c, use of continuous glucose monitors, or use of insulin pumps between the rise group and those with healthy BMI throughout the study period. ConclusionsAlarmingly high rates of overweight/obesity in youth were observed within 5 years following T1D diagnosis. Awareness and further research are necessary to address this independent risk factor for morbidities.