Introduction:

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) is one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood and it is relevant in public health. European studies have reported an increase in the incidence and prevalence rate of DM1 in recent years, with a mean around 17.69/100,000 inhabitants/year. Range of diabetic ketoacidosis debut corresponds to 25-40% of the cases.

Objectives:

To evaluate the casuistic of DM1 in the University Hospital of Gandia, Spain, and to calculate the incidence of DM1 among the pediatric patients of the health department, to define the epidemiological and clinical-analytical characteristics of DM1, to analyse possible etiological factors and the diagnostic-therapeutic approach and to implement the necessary health service planning.

Methods:

descriptive and prospective-retrospective study which includes data of all patients <15 years with DM1 debut attended between January 2004 and December 2017. The data was obtained from the DM1 institutional register.

Results:

Global incidence rate:15.8 cases/100,000 inhab/year, similar distribution by sex, 92.5% spaniards and 7.5% foreigner patients. Mean age: 8.1±4 years. Predominance during winter-autumn seasons. Family background of diabetes in 56%. Comorbidity in 26,8%, mainly thyroiditis. Anti-GAD antibodies or other positive antibodies in 86.5%. pH values at admission:7.3±0.1 and HbA1c 10.7±2.7. 39.4% presented with ketoacidosis.

Conclusions:

Global incidence rate is similar to others reports. The ketoacidosis rate at debut was high, although decreased during the last 5 years. A high percentage of patients with positive antibodies, family history and other associated autoimmune pathologies was found.