A Comprehensive Analysis of Risk Factors Associated with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Children and Adolescents at a Tertiary Healthcare Facility

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition affecting the pancreas. Objectives: To assess the associations between genetic and environmental risk factors and the development of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in children and adolescents. Methods: It was a case-control study conducted over 6 months at the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, the Children’s Hospital Lahore. The study population consisted of two groups. Cases consisted of children with Type 1 Diabetes while controls were without Type 1 Diabetes. Data were collected using a pre-designed questionnaire by interview method from parents of children participating in the study. The incidence of various environmental and genetic factors reported to be associated with Type 1 Diabetes was compared between the groups. Results: 300 children participated in the study (n=150 cases and n=150 control group). The mean age of the participants was 7.90 + 4.553 years. Pearson chi-square test revealed a significant association between Type 1 Diabetes and various factors like cow’s milk in infancy, early weaning, and vitamin D supplementation. Amongst the genetic factors, the association was significant for history of autoimmunity, family history of autoimmunity and family history of Type 1 Diabetes (p-value=<0.05). Conclusions: It was concluded that children with a history of autoimmunity or Type 1 Diabetes in self or family, early introduction to cow’s milk and supplementary foods are at higher risk for Type 1 Diabetes. Meanwhile, no relationship was established between Type 1 Diabetes and prior COVID-19 infection or recurrent infections. Further studies are needed to establish cause and effect relationship.