Characteristics of youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) with and without a parent with T1D in the T1D exchange clinic registry

Background: The aim of the present study was to compare characteristics and diabetes management in children and adolescents with and without at least one parent with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods: In all, 12 890 participants aged <18 years at enrollment in the T1D Exchange Registry were included in the present study. Statistical comparisons between those with and without parental T1D were conducted using a univariate generalized linear mixed model.

Results: Of the study participants, 1056 (8.2%) registrants had at least one parent with T1D. Those with parental T1D were slightly, albeit significantly, younger (6.3 vs 6.9 years; P < 0.001) and less likely to have diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis (24% vs 41%; P < 0.001) than those without parental T1D. There were no differences between groups in HbA1c, use of continuous glucose monitoring or insulin pump therapy, or the development of severe hypoglycemia or DKA. In addition, there were no differences found when comparing characteristics or diabetes management in those with a mother versus those with a father with T1D.

Conclusions: Children and adolescents with parental T1D tend to be diagnosed earlier. Diabetes management, glycemic control, and acute complications are similar in those with and without parental T1D.