Diabetes mellitus in Asian Indian children and adolescents

AIM: To study the clinical and metabolic profile of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents in a South Asian population. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Sixty children were recruited. They were divided into three groups: Group I--type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), Group II--type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1), and Group III--healthy controls. The clinical history and biochemical parameters (HbA1c, serum insulin, C-peptide, triglycerides, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol) were recorded. Homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMAIR) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were calculated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents with DM2 had a significant family history of DM and clinical features of insulin resistance, including increased body mass index, waist:hip ratio and acanthosis nigricans. They also had decreased insulin sensitivity together with dyslipidemia of metabolic syndrome, i.e. high triglyceride, high total cholesterol and low HDL-cholesterol. The presence of these predictors of cardiovascular disorders is known to contribute to morbidity and mortality. Hence, DM2 needs to be recognized early in Asian Indian children.