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A questionnaire-based assessment of gastrointestinal symptoms in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Jody A Porter1,2, Karen E MacKenzie2, Brian A Darlow1
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Otago Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Insights
Children with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) experience gastrointestinal symptoms, including more severe abdominal pain and reflux, compared to healthy peers. While symptom frequency is similar, severity differs, warranting further investigation into underlying causes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common in children.
- Limited evidence suggests a higher prevalence in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).
- This study investigates GI symptom patterns and severity in children with and without T1DM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the frequency and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms in children with T1DM versus healthy controls.
- To identify specific GI symptoms that may be more prevalent or severe in pediatric T1DM.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire assessed recent GI symptoms in children under 16 with T1DM and healthy controls.
- A five-point Likert scale measured symptom severity.
- An overall symptom score was calculated for each child.
Main Results:
- High rates of GI symptoms were reported in both groups (85% T1DM vs. 80% controls).
- Children with T1DM reported significantly higher mean scores for abdominal pain (P=0.02) and reflux (P=0.02).
- The overall mean symptom score was higher in children with T1DM (4.9 vs. 3.4, P=0.02).
Conclusions:
- GI symptom frequency is comparable between children with and without T1DM.
- Children with T1DM experience more severe GI symptoms, particularly reflux and abdominal pain.
- The underlying mechanisms for increased symptom severity in pediatric T1DM require further research.
Background:
Children commonly report gastrointestinal symptoms. Limited evidence suggests that children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) report more gastrointestinal symptoms than healthy children without diabetes. The aim of this study was to ascertain the pattern and severity gastrointestinal symptoms reported by children with diabetes and healthy children without diabetes.
Methods:
After recruitment, children (less than 16 years of age) with type 1 diabetes and healthy control children reported their recent gastrointestinal symptoms using a short questionnaire. A five-point Likert scale was utilised to grade the severity of each symptom and an overall symptom score for each child was derived.
Results:
One hundred and fifty cases (88% of eligible population) and 94 controls completed the questionnaire. Both groups had similarly high rates of any gastrointestinal symptom [80% of controls vs. 85% cases, OR 1.5 (95% CI: 0.7-3.1)]. Children with diabetes had higher mean scores for abdominal pain (1.3 vs. 1.0, P=0.02) and reflux (0.4 vs. 0.20, P=0.02). Cases also had a higher overall mean score than controls (4.9 vs. 3.4, P=0.02).
Conclusions:
Overall, gastrointestinal symptoms were reported at the same frequency by both groups of children. However, the children with diabetes had more severe symptoms, especially those of reflux and abdominal pain. The reasons for these differences remain to be elucidated.
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