Treatment adherence and BMI reduction are key predictors of HbA1c 1 year after diagnosis of childhood type 2 diabetes in the United Kingdom

Pediatr Diabetes. 2018 Dec;19(8):1393-1399. doi: 10.1111/pedi.12761. Epub 2018 Oct 11.

Abstract

Background/objective: Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) is increasing in childhood especially among females and South-Asians. Our objective was to report outcomes from a national cohort of children and adolescents with T2DM 1 year following diagnosis.

Methods: Clinician reported, 1-year follow-up of a cohort of children (<17 years) diagnosed with T2DM reported through the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit (BPSU) (April 2015-April 2016).

Results: One hundred (94%) of 106 baseline cases were available for review. Of these, five were lost to follow up and one had a revised diagnosis. Mean age at follow up was 15.3 years. Median BMI standard deviation scores (SDS) was 2.81 with a decrease of 0.13 SDS over a year. HbA1c <48 mmol/mol (UK target) was achieved in 38.8%. logHbA1c was predicted by clinician reported compliance and attendance concerns (β = 0.12, P = <0.0001) and change in body mass index (BMI) SDS at 1-year (β = 0.13, P=0.007). In over 50%, clinicians reported issues with compliance and attendance. Mean clinic attendance was 75%. Metformin was the most frequently used treatment at baseline (77%) and follow-up (87%). Microalbuminuria prevalence at 1-year was 16.4% compared to 4.2% at baseline and was associated with a higher HbA1c compared to those without microalbuminuria (60 vs 49 mmol/mol, P = 0.03).

Conclusions: Adherence to treatment and a reduction in BMI appear key to better outcomes a year after T2DM diagnosis. Retention and clinic attendance are concerning. The prevalence of microalbuminuria has increased 4-fold in the year following diagnosis and was associated with higher HbA1c.

Keywords: adolescent; children; complications; obesity; type 2 diabetes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age of Onset
  • Blood Glucose / analysis
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Body Mass Index*
  • Child
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / blood*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / diagnosis*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / analysis
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Population Surveillance
  • Prognosis
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Adherence and Compliance / statistics & numerical data*
  • United Kingdom / epidemiology
  • Weight Loss / physiology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Glycated Hemoglobin A