Growth status of Adolescents with Diabetic Type 1 and its associated factors

Abstract

Background: childhood and adolescent growth is a good indicator of general health, and attaining normal growth speed ‎is one of the goals of treating diabetic children. Diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM) is well known to negatively affect growth. The aim of this study is to assess the growth parameter of diabetic adolescents and related factors. Methods: The study was conducted at Shaheed Layla Qasim Diabetic Center in Erbil City during June 2022. 160 diabetic adolescent cases were enrolled as samples for the study. Growth was assessed by taking weight and height then plotted on Centers for Disease Control (CDC) growth charts, and a blood sample to was taken to determine glycemic control (HbA1C%). Results: 160 children participated with mean age of 13.96 ± 1.8. Mean HbA1C was 9.9 ± 2.18 %. 73.8% had poor glycemic control. 33.8% of adolescents were stunted (stature-for-age) and 56.3% of them were underweight (BMI-for-age). There was a significant association between stunting and age group also underweight (BMI-for-age) with age and gender. Conclusion: one-third of diabetic adolescents were of short stature, and most of them were underweight.