Comorbidities of type 1 diabetes in childhood and adolescence

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is one of the most common metabolic diseases in childhood. Comorbidities of T1D can be subdivided into physical and psychological comorbidities. This article deals with physical/organ-specific comorbidities. The association between T1D and other autoimmune diseases is well known. The most frequently associated autoimmune diseases in children and adolescents are autoimmune thyroiditis and celiac disease. As these are often asymptomatic, a regular screening for associated autoimmune thyroiditis and celiac disease should be carried out. Other comorbidities can affect the skin, anthropometric parameters, and bones. Regular monitoring of weight and height (using growth standards), pubertal development (Tanner stages), blood pressure (percentiles) and examination of skin (e. g. injection sites/catheter sites and senor sites) are essential in the continuous care of children and adolescents with T1D.