LAUSR

Background: Type1 Diabetes Mellitus is a common chronic diseases among children, and associated with morbidity, mortality, and enormous healthcare expenditures.  Objectives; to estimate the prevalence, incidence, and describe the epidemiological characteristics of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus among children in Karbala governorate, Methods:   A cross-sectional study was conducted among all children who attended the main DM center in Karbala Teaching Hospital for Children, Public Clinics, and Primary Health Care centers. Data was collected by structured questionnaire and biochemical and anthropometric measurements. The statistical analysis data entry was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Results: Total number of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus patients aged 0-15 years in Karbala in 2015 was 199; making 44.66/1005. Fifty-four patients were newly diagnosed patients making an incidence of 12.11/1005. There was nearly equal distribution among both sexes. Most of the cases were from urban areas and most of the patients had a Family history of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetic ketoacidosis was reported in 16.8% of the patients. Only 31.6% of patients had HbA1c < 7%. Half of the patients had a history of admission to the hospital for diabetes. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the only independent variables significantly correlated with poor glycemic control were lack of Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose, irregular visits to the Diabetic Center, and positive family history of diabetes. Conclusion: Only one-third of T1DM children in Karbala city had controlled blood sugar. Lack of regular blood glucose monitoring and irregular contact with health care providers were the main determinants of uncontrolled blood sugar.