Role of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the appearance of new onset type 1 diabetes mellitus in children in Gran Canaria, Spain

Objectives It has been hypothesized that SARS-CoV-2 may play a role in the development of different forms of diabetes mellitus (DM). The Canary Islands have the highest incidence of type 1 DM (T1DM) reported in Spain (30–35/100,000 children under 14 years/year). In 2020–2021 we observed the highest incidence so far on the island of Gran Canaria, as a result of which we decided to evaluate the possible role of COVID-19 in the increased number of onsets. Methods We examined the presence of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in children with new onset T1DM between October 2020 and August 2021. We compared recent T1DM incidence with that of the previous 10 years. Results Forty-two patients were diagnosed with T1DM (48.1/100,000 patients/year), representing a nonsignificant 25.7% increase from the expected incidence. Of the 33 patients who consented to the study, 32 presented negative IgG values, with only one patient reflecting undiagnosed past infection. Forty-four percent of patients presented with ketoacidosis at onset, which was similar to previous years. Conclusions We conclude that there is no direct relationship between the increased incidence of T1DM and SARS-CoV-2 in the region. The COVID-19 pandemic did not result in an increased severity of T1DM presentation.

Is type 1 diabetes mellitus associated with ABO & Rh blood groups? A cross-sectional study

Background: This study was conducted to determine whether type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with ABO & Rhesus (Rh) blood groups. Materials and Methods: This analytical cross sectional study was carried out on 77 patients suffering from T1DM and 96 healthy children less than 18 years old referring to Yazd Diabetes Research Center from April 2018 to May 2019. The ABO blood group and Rh factor in both groups were determined. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) were measured at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks in these patients, and the mean of FBS and HbA1C in three-time assessments were considered as the FBS and HbA1C variables. The statistical analysis was performed by SPSS software version 22. Results: About 46.8% in T1DM and 36.5% in the control groups were male. There was a significant difference between groups regarding blood groups (p-value: 0.042). Although the frequency of B+ was 33.8% and 19.8% in the T1DM and controls, respectively, AB+ and O+ were more prevalent in the controls. The mean of FBS was significantly different between groups (p-value: 0.023). Conclusions: The findings revealed that patients with blood group B are more likely to develop T1DM whereas those with blood group O showed a lower tendency towards diabetes.

The Effects of Diabetes Self-Management Education on Quality of Life for Persons With Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Purpose: It is well documented that chronic conditions, such as diabetes, impact quality of life (QoL). QoL assessment is essential when developing and evaluating diabetes self-management education support interventions. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence and gaps in the research and the impact of diabetes self-management education (DSME) on QoL outcomes in persons with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Methods A systematic review of English language studies published between January 1, 2007, and March 31, 2020, was conducted using a modified Cochrane review method. Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), participants had T1DM with or without caregivers, a DSME intervention alone or a component(s) of the ADCES7™ Self-Care Behaviors was described, and QoL was a primary or secondary outcome. A 3-tiered review process was utilized for selecting articles. Retained articles were assessed for risk of bias. Results: Nineteen articles, reporting on 17 RCTs, met inclusion criteria, of which 7 studies reported QoL as the primary outcome and 10 as a secondary outcome. Seven studies detected significant impact of DMSE on QoL outcomes in either the participants or family caregivers, which varied in participant populations, selection of QoL tools (generic vs diabetes-specific), intervention type, intervention length, and type of interventionist. Conclusion: DSME has the potential to influence QoL outcomes in people with T1DM. Research using more standardized methods are needed to delineate impact on a broader range of factors that influence QoL for those living with T1DM across the life span and their caregivers.