Socioeconomic deprivation results in high rates of diabetic ketoacidosis at type 1 diabetes diagnosis in England: A multicentre observational study

Abstract

The article focuses on the rising incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents, highlighting a significant association with socioeconomic deprivation. A retrospective study conducted across nine pediatric diabetes units in England found that 45.5% of the 539 patients presented with DKA, a rate notably higher than the national average of 23.3%. The study identified lower socioeconomic status as the strongest predictor of DKA presentation, while ethnicity, age, and family history did not significantly influence outcomes. The findings suggest a need for targeted public health campaigns to improve awareness and health literacy in deprived communities to reduce DKA incidence.