ABSTRACT
Background and Aims: In 2020 the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic affected the whole world. Some centers reported changes in incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in children and in the severity of the disease at presentation. In our center as well we had the impression that incidence and severity of illness at presentation of new onset T1D changed during the pandemic. The aim of this study is to provide data on incidence and severity of illness at presentation of new onset T1D in children in our center (covering the province of Antwerp (Belgium)). Methods: In this observational, (large) single center study including children (<16 years) with newly diagnosed T1D, patient characteristics, anamnestic data and biochemical values were evaluated. Data from children with diagnosis between January 2015 and February 2020 (n = 203) where compared to children with diagnosis from March 2020 to February 2021 (n = 51). Results: Non-parametric testing showed no significant difference in age, glycemia, HbA1c, C-peptides, ketone bodies, pH, bicarbonate and base-excess at diagnosis during the first year of the pandemic. Duration of complaints before presentation was not longer and the need for intensive care was not higher during the pandemic. The total daily insulin dose at discharge did not differ from to the five years prior to the pandemic. Conclusions: We conclude that Sars-Cov-2 pandemic did not change presentation of new onset T1D in children in our center: there was no increase in incidence, no delay in presentation, no change in patient characteristics or severity of illness. Efforts should be made to obtain nationwide data.