Introduction: The importance of adequate metabolic control in Type 1 DM has been repeatedly demonstrated in recent years. The care of diabetic children and adolescents in Iceland is centralized to one unit. The aim of the study was to analyze the quality of treatment and acute complications of Icelandic children with Type 1 diabetes.
Methodology: The total number of diabetic children in paediatric care was 98. A cross-sectional survey was done for the period March 15th to July 14th, 2004. The results for the patient last visit to the diabetes clinic were recorded. HbA1c levels (DCA 2000) and number of severe hypoglycaemic episodes, were evaluated.
Results: The number of visits to the clinic during the 4 month interval were 83 (43 boys, 40 girls), mean age 13.3+/-3.78 years. Mean value of HbA1c in the cross-sectional survey was 8.16+/-1.31%. No difference in HbA1c was found between girls and boys. HbA1c increased with age in girls (p<0.01). Ten children experienced a total of 12 severe hypoglycaemic events during the period (43.4/100 patient years).
Conclusion: Overall the metabolic control in children and adolescents with IDDM in Iceland is satisfactory compared to internationally published results. It is important to focus attention on children with inadequate metabolic control, especially adolescent girls, and children experiencing serious hypoglycaemic episodes.