OBJECTIVES: Epidemiological data on type 1 diabetes (T1D) among children under 15 in Algeria are limited despite a well-known high incidence. This study aims to provide recent epidemiological data on new T1D cases in pediatric patients in Algiers, focusing on circumstances of diagnosis and associated complications.

METHODS: This retrospective, descriptive study analyzed records of 100 patients from three hospitals and one public polyclinic in Algiers in 2023. Data included sex, age, socioeconomic status, family history of diabetes, autoimmune diseases, complications, type of care, season of diagnosis, diagnostic delay, and discovery circumstances. The Chi-square test assessed the association between risk factors and diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis (p < 0.05).

RESULTS: The observed incidence was 9.4 per 100,000 children (95% CI [7.5-11.3]), with a sex ratio of 0.85 and a mean age at diagnosis of 9.17 years (95% CI [8.5-9.9]). Children aged 10-14 years accounted for 50% of cases, with a peak in diagnoses during winter (31% of cases). Complications included diabetic ketoacidosis (30%), ketosis (53%), hyperglycemia (12%), and hypoglycemia (5%). Approximately 41% of children had at least one diabetic parent. Early diagnosis within 15 days of symptom onset was associated with a reduced risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (RR = 0.32, 95% CI [0.15-0.67], p = 0.0008). Discovery circumstances included polyuria-polydipsia syndrome (35%), referral by private physicians (27%), incidental discovery (23%), and other circumstances (15%).

CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the critical importance of prevention strategies and early screening to enhance management of T1D and mitigate associated complications. Delayed diagnosis significantly increases complication risks.