A Recent Insight on Prevalence of atopic diseases in children with type 1 diabetes

Background Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and atopic diseases are both prevalent immunemediated conditions in children. Although traditionally viewed as immunologically opposing disorders—T1DM being Th1-mediated and atopy Th2-mediated—recent studies suggest possible overlap in genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and association of various atopic conditions in pediatric T1DM patients. Aim of the study To investigate the prevalence of atopic diseases—including atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, bronchial asthma, food allergy, and anaphylaxis—among children with T1DM compared to healthy age- and sex-matched controls, and to analyze contributing risk factors. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 200 children aged 5–16 years, including 100 with T1DM and 100 controls. Data was collected using standardized atopy screening questionnaires (ChAt), clinical examination, and laboratory tests. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of atopy. Results The overall difference in prevalence of atopy was not notable in both groups (32% in T1DM vs. 35% in controls; p = 0.66). However, allergic rhinitis was significantly more common in the T1DM group (27% vs. 15%; p = 0.038), while bronchial asthma was less prevalent (3% vs. 14%; p = 0.0054).). Other atopic conditions showed no significant differences. T1DM status alone was not an independent predictor of atopy (OR = 0.87, p = 0.66). Significant risk factors included family history of atopy (OR = 2.10, p = 0.03), environmental smoke exposure (OR = 2.45, p = 0.02), and poor housing conditions (OR = 2.86, p = 0.005). Conclusion Although the overall prevalence of atopic manifestations was similar in children with type one diabetes mellitus and normal children, those with T1DM exhibit relatively higher rates of allergic rhinitis, despite the lack of direct causative association. Owing to the bi-directional effects of both conditions including difficult glycemic control, the research findings highlight the need for regular atopy screening and integrated management in pediatric diabetes care, especially in the presence of family history or adverse environmental factors.