P-424: Prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes
M Puñales, C Kurcrevski, M Haase Schaeffer, M Hertz, M Bressiani, B TschiedelAbstract
Introduction
The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) has increased markedly over recent decades. Current estimates indicate that approximately 20–35% are overweight and 9–13% have obesity, reflecting a growing global concern.
Objectives
To assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity and their associated comorbidities in children and adolescents with T1D followed at a tertiary referral diabetes center.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included 800 children and adolescents with T1D, aged 1 to 19 years, receiving care at a referral diabetes center. Clinical and demographic data were extracted from medical records. Nutritional status was classified according to World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards.
Results
The median age at evaluation was 14.6 years (IQR: 11.3–17.5), and 53.6% were male. The median age at T1D diagnosis was 7.0 years (IQR: 4.2–9.8) and the disease duration of 5.8 years (IQR: 2.6–8.7) at the time of the study evaluation. According to WHO criteria, 2.3% were classified as at risk of overweight, 22.9% overweight, and 10.1% obese, yielding an overall prevalence of excess weight of 35.1%. Excess weight was more prevalent among individuals aged 5–19 years. Dyslipidemia was present in 7.6% of the sample and more frequent in females (p=0.004). Its prevalence increased progressively across weight categories (9.7% in at risk overweight, 10.9% in overweight, and 17.2% in obesity), p<0.001. Psychiatric disorders were identified in 15.3% of participants, with higher proportions among those with obesity (25.9%), at risk (9.7%) and overweight (13.6%), although not statistically significant differences were found (p=0.060).
Conclusions
The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents with T1D in this tertiary referral center is comparable to that reported in the literature. These findings underline the need for targeted preventive strategies and structured educational programs to address the growing burden of obesity.