Early-Onset Diabetes in Ghana's Upper East Region-Insights From Hospital Data

Diabetes mellitus is the most prevalent endocrine disorder in individuals under 30 years, encompassing type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), early-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), monogenic diabetes, and maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY). This study investigated the prevalence, types, and complications associated with early-onset diabetes (EOD) in the Upper East Region of Ghana.

The study used anonymised patient data from the Ghana Health Service's electronic data system, focusing on inpatient records of individuals aged 0 to 30 diagnosed with diabetes. After removing personal identifiers, incomplete records, gestational diabetes cases, and duplicates, the dataset included variables such as age, sex, education level, admission year, outcomes, diagnoses, and complications, but lacked laboratory and treatment information.

The prevalence of EOD among patients under 30 years of age was calculated to be 0.16% (52 out of 33,282). T1DM was diagnosed in 15 out of 52 patients (28.8%), while only one case of T2DM was identified. Secondary diabetes due to unknown etiologies was the most common diagnosis (22 out of 52 cases, 42.3%), indicating the potential presence of undiagnosed monogenic diabetes or MODY. Reported complications included diabetic foot (5 cases), diabetic nephropathy (2 cases), infections (4 cases), retinopathy (4 cases), and ketoacidosis (13 cases). The data showed 3 deaths, 1 referral, and 1 absconded case were recorded.

These findings highlight the need for accurate diagnosis, targeted management strategies, and further research into secondary diabetes and its potential underlying causes in Ghana. Improved diagnostic capabilities, awareness, and healthcare resources are essential to address EOD and its complications at the study site.