THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS INCIDENCE AND ITS CLINICAL PRESENTATION IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: ONE CENTER'S EXPERIENCE

Sandra Stankovic; Zlatibor  Gocic; Milan Golubovic; Milica Stojkovic; Dusan Miljkovic; Suzana Stajic; Andjela  Ognjanovic; Marija Topalovic; Vesna Cvetkovic; Ljiljana Saranac; Milena Manojlovic; Sasa Zivic; Jelena Vucic

Sandra Stankovic Paediatric Clinic Nis
Zlatibor Gocic Paediatric Clinic Nis
Milan Golubovic Paediatric Clinic Nis
Milica Stojkovic Paediatric Clinic Nis
Dusan Miljkovic University Clinical Center Nis
Suzana Stajic Paediatric Clinic Nis
Andjela Ognjanovic Paediatric Clinic Nis
Marija Topalovic Clinic for pulmonary diseases Nis
Vesna Cvetkovic Paediatric Clinic Nis
Ljiljana Saranac Paediatric Clinic Nis
Milena Manojlovic Paediatric Clinic Nis
Sasa Zivic
Jelena Vucic Paediatric Clinic Nis

Keywords: COVID 19, child, DKA

Abstract

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has a drastic impact on health systems. The aim of this research is to present the incidence and clinical picture of newly diagnosed diabetes in children in our institution during the first year COVID-19 pandemic and to compare data with previous years. A total of 41 children were newly diagnosed with T1DM1. There were two non-significant join point periods with an annual percentage increase (2007-2012: APC 8,94%), followed by a decrease (2012-2015: APC -6,88%) and a statistically significant increase (2015-2020: APC 14,20%). During COVID year there were larger number of newly diagnosed children, but without statistical significance. The percentage of children presenting with DKA in the time of T1DM diagnosis was significantly higher compared to pre COVID-19 period (84.8% vs 34.6%; p < 0.001). Our results suggest a potential diabetogenic effect of the COVID 19 infection. Larger trials with long term follow ups are needed. Drastic increase of DKA on T1DM onset during COVID year urge need for better prevention measures.

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