Socio-Demographic and Clinical Profile of Children with Type 1 Diabetes Attending a Diabetic Clinic in a Tertiary care Centre in Kerala, Southern India

Introduction: This study evaluated the socio-demographic profile, clinical characteristics, self-management practices, and complications among children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) attending a tertiary care centre in Kerala, India. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 98 children aged 2–18 years with T1DM attending diabetes clinic. Data were collected using a structured proforma through caregiver interviews, clinical examination, and review of medical records. Glycaemic profile, growth profile, complications, and use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Results: Females constituted 60.2% of participants. 74.5% were adolescents (mean age =15.3 years). The mean diabetes duration was 6.8 ± 3.5 years; 54.1% were diagnosed between 6–12 years of age. The mean HbA1c was 8.84 ± 1.44%. Stunting was observed in 10.2% and was significantly associated with longer diabetes duration (P = 0.011). Regular daily self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) was practiced by only 36.7%. Lipodystrophy was noted in 42.85 %. Hypoglycaemia unawareness, nocturnal hypoglycaemia, and hypoglycaemic seizures were reported in 26.53%, 67.34%, and 16.32%, respectively. Diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy were present in 11.2% and 2.0%, respectively. Hypothyroidism was observed in 14.3%, psychosocial issues in 12.2%. Only 11.2% used CGM. SMBG frequency and CGM use were significantly associated with HbA1c levels (P = 0.016 and P = 0.002 respectively). Conclusion: Children with T1DM in Kerala continue to face gaps in glycaemic monitoring and technology use. Strengthening diabetes education, multidisciplinary care, and access to affordable technologies is essential to improve outcomes.