Weight and Body Mass Index in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in a Population from the North of Mexico

Introduction: Type 1 diabetes mellitus is the most common form of diabetes known among young people and the incidence of this disease in children has increased over time. The increased risk of T1DM autoimmunity associated with body mass index at 2 years indicates a potential role for adiposity, possibly by increasing insulin resistance and ß-cell load.

Materials and methods: An observational, retrospective study where records of 55 patients diagnosed with type Diabetes Mellitus were retrospectively analyzed and used, according to the guidelines of the American Diabetes Association and the American Pediatric Society.

Results: The study consisted of 55 participants where 31 (56%) of them were female, while 24 (44%) belonged to the male sex. The average age that was reported in total for all participants was 14.18 ± 2.72 years. 33 (60%) were of normal weight, while 8 (14%) were overweight, as well as 14 (26%) suffered from obesity.

Conclusion: The Mexican population studied showed an increase in reported cases where people with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus had an increase in body weight compared to what was expected, with people with type 1 DM being overweight as well as obesity.

Keywords: Childhood; Mexican population; Obesity; Overweight; Type 1 diabetes mellitus