Trends in the Prevalence of Ketoacidosis at Diabetes Diagnosis: The SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study

Abstract

WHAT'S KNOWN ON THIS SUBJECT: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening condition and often the presenting symptom of newly diagnosed type 1 or type 2 diabetes in youth. SEARCH previously reported that the prevalence of DKA at diagnosis was 25.5% in 2002-2003. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS: DKA in youth with type 1 diabetes remains a problem, with almost one-third presenting with DKA. Among youth with type 2 diabetes, DKA was less common and decreased by ∼10% per year, suggesting improved detection or earlier diagnosis. abstract OBJECTIVE: To estimate temporal changes in the prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes in youth and to explore factors associated with its occurrence. METHODS:Five centers identified incident cases of diabetes among youth aged 0 to 19 years starting in 2002. DKA presence was defined as a bicarbonate level ,15 mmol/L and/or a pH ,7.25 (venous) or ,7.30 (arterial or capillary) or mention of DKA in the medical records. We assessed trends in the prevalence of DKA over 3 time periods (2002-2003, 2004-2005, and 2008-2010). Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with DKA. RESULTS:In youth with type 1 diabetes (n = 5615), the prevalence of DKA was high and stable over time (30.2% in 2002-2003, 29.1% in 2004-2005, and 31.1% in 2008-2010; P for trend = .42). Higher prevalence was associated with younger age at diagnosis (P , .0001), minority race/ethnicity (P = .019), income (P = .019), and lack of private health insurance (P = 008). Among youth with type 2 diabetes (n = 1425), DKA prevalence decreased from 11.7% in 2002-2003 to 5.7% in 2008-2010 (P for trend = .005). Higher prevalence was associated with younger age at diagnosis (P = .001), minority race/ethnicity (P = .013), and male gender (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS:The frequency of DKA in youth with type 1 diabetes, although stable, remains high, indicating a persistent need for increased awareness of signs and symptoms of diabetes and better access to health care. In youth with type 2 diabetes, DKA at onset is less common and is decreasing over time. Pediatrics 2014;133:e938-e945 AUTHORS: