Frequency of partial remission and related factors in children and adolescents diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of remission and related factors in children and adolescents with T1DM. The medical files of patients, diagnosed at our clinic with T1DM in a sequential 3-year period and followed up for at least one year, were retrospectively reviewed. Measurements of pH, blood glucose, insulin, C-peptide, HbA1c and diabetes related auto-antibodies were recorded at diagnosis along with presence of diabetic keto-acidosis and daily insulin requirements at initial discharge. Subsequent HbA1c values and daily insulin requirements were recorded at follow up visits. Partial remission was defined as the value of adjusted HbA1c of ≤ 9. Adjusted HbA1c is equal to HbA1c (percent) + [4 x insulin dose (units per kilograms per day)]. Patients were evaluated according to age groups (group 1 ≤ 10 years; Group 2 > 10 years). Data of 111 patients (males = 56) were evaluated [mean age 9.4 ± 4.2 years (0.8–16.2)]. Complete remission was observed in none of our patients. Partial remission was observed in 67 patients (60.4 %), and partial remission was observed more frequently in children ≤ 10 years of age (p = 0.043). No correlation was identified between clinical and laboratory characteristics at the time of diagnosis and frequency of partial remission. The frequency of partial remission was higher in younger children during the period of observation. Additionally, clinical and laboratory characteristics at the time of diagnosis were not helpful in predicting the degree of remission in this study group.