Abstract
Background: Individuals diagnosed with diabetes mellitus have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, often leading to premature morbidity and mortality. As the number of youth developing T1D and T2D continues to grow, early onset predisposes patients to a longer burden of disease and earlier onset of cardiovascular complications. Early identification and effective management and treatment of risk factors can lead to decreased cardiovascular events and improved quality of life.
Objective: In this study, we describe the prevalence of CVD risk factors in children with diabetes.
Results: 274 subjects were included in this study, all > 1 year since the time of diagnosis. 134 participants were male (49%). Mean age was 13.7 years (males); 12.8 years (females). subjects averaged 4 diabetes-related visits per year. At the time of their most recent clinic visit, 33% of subjects had a HbA1c < 8%, and 29% had a HbA1c > 10%. Greater than 50% of subjects were overweight or obese. A significant number of subjects were found to have dyslipidemia, and elevated blood pressure was common.
Discussion: CVD risk factors are common in children with diabetes mellitus. Good glycemic control, early identification, and effective life-long management of all CVD risk factors may help decrease the high rate of premature morbidity and mortality in diabetes.
Keywords: Dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, youth, diabetes, risk factors, glycemic control.
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