Characteristics of type 1 diabetes in Northwest China: A multicenter hospital-based study

To comprehensively analyze the characteristics of type 1 diabetes and compare the differences between childhood-onset and adult-onset groups.

Hospital records of patients with type 1 diabetes of all ages were collected from 18 hospitals across 14 prefectures in Northwest China between January 2016 and October 2023. Data included demographic characteristics, manifestation at onset, physical examination, laboratory tests, and management. Based on diagnosis status, participants were classified into newly diagnosed and previously diagnosed groups. Additionally, according to the age at onset, participants were further divided into childhood-onset and adult-onset groups.

Among the 1,513 individuals with type 1 diabetes, the newly diagnosed group showed a younger median age of onset, lower mean body mass index, and better β-cell function compared with the previously diagnosed group. Diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis was common, and the prevalence of chronic complications increased with disease duration. Most patients in both groups used multiple daily injections. Additionally, patients with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes were more likely to have diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis and had higher HbA1c levels at disease onset, lower BMI levels, and lower prevalence of complications compared with those with adult-onset diabetes.

This multicenter, hospital-based study provided an overview of the characteristics of patients with type 1 diabetes. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of type 1 diabetes and underscore the importance of long-term diabetic education and management.