Changes in the Prevalence of Diabetes Ketoacidosis at the Onset of Type 1 Diabetes in Polish Children: A Comparative Analysis Between Two 9-Year Periods—2006–2014 and 2015–2023

Abstract

Objective: Having been facing a progressive increase in the prevalence of type 1 diabetes (T1D), there might be a growing risk of the development of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at disease onset. The prevalence of DKA varies widely by geographic region, ranging from approximately 13% in Sweden to 80% in the United Arab Emirates. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of DKA in childhood-onset T1D from Greater Poland (Poland) in two 9-year periods. Methods: We assessed the prevalence of DKA in children aged <18 years with newly diagnosed T1D in Greater Poland (Poland) in two 9-year periods, 2006–2014 and 2015–2023, in a retrospective review of a complete regional cohort. DKA and its severity were classified according to International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) guidelines. Results: Over the 18 years, 2432 children below 18 years of age with newly diagnosed T1D were recorded. The overall prevalence of DKA was 51.3% (n = 1248), and it rose significantly in two nine-year periods, from 47.7% in 2006–2014 to 53.4% in 2015–2023 (p = 0.007). There was a significant shift toward more severe presentations of DKA. While the prevalence of mild DKA decreased slightly from 51.3% to 47.0% (p = 0.145), and moderate DKA had a notable decline from 33.1% to 25.2% (p = 0.003), the proportion of severe DKA cases rose sharply from 15.5% to 27.7% (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Despite the increasing incidence of T1D in Poland, healthcare, and parental awareness of T1D symptoms remain low, which results in delayed T1D recognition. The escalating prevalence of DKA at T1D onset in children is a concerning public health issue that necessitates a multifaceted approach to education, prevention, and early intervention. Addressing these challenges might help reduce the prevalence of DKA and improve clinical outcomes for children with T1D.