[Diabetes mellitus in children under 2 years of age]

We studied the clinical course in 18 children who were admitted to our department during the time period 1973-87 for onset of diabetes mellitus before two years of age. During these years a total number of 242 diabetics (0-14 years) were admitted from a population of approximately 100,000 children. The 18 cases showed a sex ratio (female/male) of 12/6. In nine cases the duration of symptoms before admittance to hospital was one week or less. The onset of the disease showed no particular seasonal pattern. 13 patients presented with a blood glucose of 25 mmol/l or more. Severe ketoacidosis was observed in nine patients. None of the patients exhibited any well-defined remission period. In the course of the disease, 11 patients had frequent hypoglycemic episodes, nine patients had convulsive attacks, poor metabolic control was evident in five cases, and major psychological problems were frequently encountered. In conclusion, diabetes mellitus in small children can be extremely difficult to manage, both from a medical and a psychosocial point of view. All efforts should be made to support the families of children with this disease.