Childhood diabetes mellitus in sokoto, north-western Nigeria: A ten year review

Abstract

Background : There is paucity of literature on childhood diabetes mellitus (DM) from developing countries, especially North-Western Nigeria. We describe the clinical presentation and outcome of childhood DM as seen in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto, Nigeria. Materials and Methods : This was a 10-year retrospective review of case files of children aged 15 years and below with childhood DM seen between September 1 st 2001 and August 31 st 2011. The age, gender, presenting features, complications, laboratory features, and outcome of the patients were extracted and analyzed. Results: Eight out of the 23,931 children admitted during the study period were diagnosed with type 1 (T1) DM, giving a case prevalence rate of 0.33/1000 (3/10 000). The male-to-female ratio was 1:1. The mean age at presentation was 11.8 ± 3.1 years. The mean duration of symptoms before presentation was 6 ± 4.9 weeks (range 1.2-12 weeks). The most prevalent symptoms were polyuria and weight loss, 7 (87.5%) each, polydipsia, 6 (75%), polyphagia, 5 (62.5%), and weakness, 4 (50%). Five (62.5%) patients presented with diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA). The mean random blood sugar (RBS) was 22.6 ± 12.01 (range 13-49.5) mmol/L. Five (62.5%) patients were discharged while three (37.2%) left against medical advice. Four (80%) of the discharges were lost to follow up. Conclusion: Childhood DM is relatively uncommon in UDUTH, Sokoto. There is a high frequency of DKA, late presentation, and default to follow up. We recommend increased awareness campaigns and health education on childhood DM.

Keywords

• Childhood diabetes mellitus
• nigeria
• outcome
• presentation