Differing clinical features in Aboriginal vs. non-Aboriginal children presenting with type 2 diabetes
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Published on: July 5, 2022
Shazhan Amed1, Jill K Hamilton, Elizabeth A C Sellers
1Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Insights
Childhood type 2 diabetes (T2D) presents differently across ethnic groups. Aboriginal children with T2D were younger and had fewer comorbidities than Caucasian children, with regional variations noted in Canada.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood type 2 diabetes (T2D) incidence is rising globally.
- T2D presentation and progression can vary significantly among diverse pediatric populations.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for effective management and public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the clinical characteristics of T2D at diagnosis among Aboriginal, Caucasian, and other high-risk ethnic groups of children in Canada.
- To investigate variations in T2D presentation within distinct Aboriginal populations across Canada.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study utilizing Canadian childhood T2D surveillance data (n=227).
- Descriptive statistics were employed to compare clinical features at diagnosis across ethnic groups: Aboriginal (n=100), Caucasian (n=57), and other high-risk (n=64).
- Specific comparisons were made between Aboriginal children from central Canada (n=74) and other Canadian regions (n=26).
Main Results:
- Aboriginal children were diagnosed at a younger age, with lower obesity rates, and less frequent polycystic ovarian syndrome and dyslipidemia compared to Caucasian and other high-risk groups (p < 0.05).
- No significant differences in age, BMI z-score, family history, or acanthosis nigricans were found between central Canadian Aboriginal children and those from other regions.
- Central Canadian Aboriginal children exhibited lower hemoglobin A1c levels and reduced likelihood of dyslipidemia (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Significant variations exist in the clinical presentation and comorbidity rates of newly diagnosed childhood T2D across Caucasian, Aboriginal, and other high-risk ethnic groups.
- Distinct Aboriginal populations in Canada demonstrate differing T2D characteristics, highlighting the need for geographically tailored approaches.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific genetic and environmental factors underlying these observed disparities.
Objectives:
Childhood type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing and may present differently across various populations. This study compares clinical features of T2D at diagnosis in Aboriginal children with Caucasian children and children from other high-risk ethnic groups.
Patients And Methods:
This retrospective observational study used data from a Canadian surveillance study where newly diagnosed cases of childhood T2D were reported (n = 227). Using descriptive statistics, clinical features at diagnosis of T2D were compared across different ethnic groups including Aboriginal (n = 100), Caucasian (n = 57), and other high-risk ethnic groups (n = 64). Comparisons were made between Aboriginal children living in central Canada (Manitoba/northwestern Ontario) (n = 74) and Aboriginal children from other regions of Canada (n = 26).
Results:
Aboriginal children were younger, less obese, and less likely to have polycystic ovarian syndrome and dyslipidemia when compared to Caucasian children and children from other high-risk ethnic groups (p < 0.05). Aboriginal children from central Canada vs. those from other regions of Canada did not differ in age, body mass index z-score, family history of T2D, or presence of acanthosis nigricans. Those from central Canada had lower hemoglobin A1c levels (p < 0.05) and were less likely to have dyslipidemia than Aboriginal children from other regions (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
Clinical features and rates of comorbidity in children with newly diagnosed T2D differ across various populations (Caucasian, Aboriginal, and children who belong to other high-risk ethnic groups) and across distinct Aboriginal populations (those living in central Canada vs. those living in other regions of Canada). Future research should determine specific genetic and environmental factors that contribute to these differences.
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