RESUMO
Background: Diabetes mellitus in children is a major health problem changing the lifestyle of affected children and their families
Objective: to describe the pattern of diabetes mellitus in the affected children including age, sex distribution, associated risk factors, presenting symptoms, presence or absence of complication, associated medical problems, management plan and therapy
Methodology: This study is a descriptive study, conducted on 83 children seeking for health insurance services for follow up and treatment of diabetes mellitus, their ages ranged from 5 to 17 years old attending Sherbein Health Insurance clinic from January, 2015 to April, 2015. Full history and clinical examination were taken. Laboratory investigation of routine urine, stool analysis, blood sugar, CBC and glycated hemoglobin were performed
Results: Results show that girls were more affected than boys. Increased incidence of onset of diabetes mellitus at age group [11-14] years. The associated risk factors were positive family history 39.8%, positive consanguinity 24.1% and early introduction of cow milk 27.7% of cases. Polyuria occurred in 90.3% of cases. Coma is the most common recurrent complication. School absence found in 21.7% of cases. Only 38.6% of cases have a dietary regimen. Regular activity found in 41% of cases. Results show that 90.4% of cases follow their insulin regimen and 38.6% of cases has a bad glycemic control
Conclusion: Positive family history of diabetes mellitus, positive consanguinity and early introduction of cow milk are considered risk factors for the incidence of diabetes mellitus in children. Lack of healthy diet and healthy life style increase the occurrence of complication