[Epidemiology of diabetes mellitus in childhood]

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Disorders

Context:

• Childhood diabetes presents diverse pathophysiological forms, with Type 1 diabetes being the most prevalent.
• A notable increase in Type 1 diabetes incidence over the last two decades, particularly in younger children, has been observed.
• While Type 2 diabetes is rare in French children, investigations are advised for obese adolescents with a family history.
• Monogenic diabetes, more common than Type 2 in Europe, necessitates family history analysis for diagnosis and tailored therapy.

Purpose:

• To summarize the current landscape of diabetes mellitus in children, focusing on incidence trends and diagnostic considerations.
• To differentiate between Type 1, Type 2, and monogenic diabetes in pediatric populations.
• To highlight the importance of early diagnosis and specific management strategies for different diabetes types in children.

Summary:

• Type 1 diabetes is the predominant form in children, exhibiting a concerning rise in incidence, especially among those under five years old.
• Type 2 diabetes remains infrequent in pediatric populations, even with rising obesity rates, but screening is recommended for at-risk individuals.
• Monogenic diabetes subtypes are more prevalent than Type 2 in Europe and require genetic analysis for precise diagnosis and treatment.

Impact:

• Informing healthcare providers about evolving pediatric diabetes trends.
• Guiding diagnostic approaches for various forms of childhood diabetes.
• Emphasizing the need for personalized therapeutic strategies based on diabetes etiology.