Type 1 diabetes mellitus: An update

Abstract

Globally, the number of children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has been rising at a much faster pace than expected. Despite an advanced diabetes care system, we have not yet succeeded in either preventing the disease or treating complications of diabetes. Therefore, the negative effects tend to be greater among children with a young age at onset. Consequently, the global financial burden of diabetes is increasing at an exponential rate and accounts for about 11% of the total budget on health.Several studies have confirmed the increasing incidence of Type 1 diabetes mellitus, linking it with sedentary life style. T1DM, being one of the most prevalent chronic health conditions in children under the age of 18 years is considered as one of thrust areas of research. Hence, this article is aimed to provide an overview of the major advances in our understanding of the etiology, pathogenesis and clinical management of DM in children with the focus being on T1DM. The incidence, prevalence, burden on health budget and prevention and prediction of childhood diabetes, which may facilitate the researchers in the field of diabetes is documented in this review. Although T1DM cannot yet be prevented successfully, ongoing clinical trials on designer insulin and innovative strategies such as herbal formulae may bring some hope through advanced research techniques.