Growth of diabetic children in post conflict Baghdad, Iraq

Abstract

Background: previously type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) was listed among the causes of severing growth retardation. Iraq was exposed to wars and conflicts that affect health services which in turn affect the glycemic state of diabetic patients.
Objective: To report on the growth of diabetic children in post-conflict Iraq.
Methods: A total of 100 children with T1DM were included in the study. They were attending the consultancy clinic in Children Welfare Teaching Hospital for the period from 1st of Feb to 30th of May 2017. Weight and height were measured. The growth indices at diagnosis were taken from a case file.
Results: A total of 100 children with T1DM included in this study. Their age was 9.3 ± 3.2 years with a male to female ratio of 1. The peak age of children at diagnosis was < 5 years. Of the total diabetic children in this study, (5%) was stunted, (2%) wasted, and (5%) was underweight. Duration of T1DM was a significant determinant of growth indices (height and weight). No significant differences in growth indices (weight, height, and BMI) between males and females with T1DM.
Conclusion: the peak of age at diagnosis was < 5 years, the sex ratio was equal and weight and height were almost lower than that supposed to be healthy.