P-409: Epidemiological profile and diagnostic presentation of type 1 diabetes mellitus in a tertiary center in Brazil
C Andrade Coutinho, G Carvalho Pinho, A C Lins Neves, V Leão de Medeiros, A H de Azevedo FerreiraAbstract
Introduction
Type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM) is an endocrine disorder that impairs glucose metabolism. Diagnosis typically occurs during childhood, and may be established through laboratory abnormalities in asymptomatic patients, classic symptoms (polyuria, polydipsia, and weight loss) or diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA).
Objectives
To evaluate age at diagnosis and clinical presentation of T1DM, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in a pediatric population.
Methods
This observational, retrospective, and descriptive study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in northeastern Brazil, with data collection from March 2025 to April 2026. Patients diagnosed with T1DM and followed between 2004 and 2026 were included. Data were obtained through medical record review. Variables analyzed included age at diagnosis, sex, and presence of DKA. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi Info™, with calculation of frequencies, means, and standard deviations(SD). Group comparisons were performed using the Mann–Whitney test, considering p<0.05 as statistically significant.
Results
A total of 272patients were evaluated. The mean age at diagnosis was 6.33 years (SD±3.5). There was no statistically significant difference between sexes: females (n=144) had a mean age of 6.62 years (SD±3.57) and males (n=128) 6.01 years (SD±3.42)(p>0.05). Patients presenting with DKA had a mean age of 7.32 years (SD±3.32), while those with classic symptoms had a mean age of 6.6 years (SD±3.6), with no significant difference (p>0.05). Among patients diagnosed up to 2019 (n=127), the mean age was 5.41 years (SD±3.19), whereas from 2020 onward (n=135) it was 7.32 years (SD±3.49), also without significant difference (p>0.05). However, after 2020, 63% of patients presented with DKA.
Conclusions
Age at T1DM diagnosis did not differ by sex and was not significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. A high proportion of patients were diagnosed with DKA, a severe condition associated with increased morbidity and mortality, reinforcing the need for earlier recognition and diagnosis.