Diabetes mellitus in childhood

Between December 1985 and December 1987 [24 months] 80 children, who ranged in age from four months to 15 years, with Diabetes Mellitus were studied at the Children Hospital, Medical City, and at the Ibn El - Balady Children Hospital, Baghdad. All had Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Of these 80 children, there were 44[55%] females and 36[45%] males. Thirty two [40%] were newly diagnosed. Family history was present in 8[10%]. The weights of 25[31.2%] children and the heights of 14[17.5%] were below the third centile [1.9 s.d. below the mean]. Eye complications were present in Six [7.5%]. Fifty nine were of school age 12[20.4%] were not attending any school and 19[32.2%] had poor school performance