Volume : 12, Issue : 06, June – 2025
Title:
PREVALENCE AND CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS IN CHILDREN PRESENTING TO A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN SAUDI ARABIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors :
Fatimah Alkhamis , Ibrahim abdulmonem almajed , Ekram Alkhalifah , Anwar Alkhalifah , Fatimah Sami Alkhalifah, Altaf Mohammed almoallem
Abstract :
Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the destruction of pancreatic β-cells, leading to insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia. It is one of the most common chronic diseases in children worldwide, with rising incidence in many regions including the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has witnessed increasing prevalence and significant clinical variability in T1DM presentation among children.
Objective: This systematic review aims to assess the prevalence, demographic patterns, and clinical characteristics of pediatric T1DM patients presenting to tertiary care centers in Saudi Arabia, synthesizing regional and global data to inform clinical practice and healthcare policy.
Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Saudi Digital Library for studies published from 2000 to 2024 reporting on prevalence and clinical features of T1DM in children (0–18 years) in Saudi tertiary care settings. Data on incidence rates, age of onset, sex distribution, presentation symptoms, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) frequency, and autoantibody profiles were extracted.
Results: Fourteen eligible studies were included, encompassing over 4,500 pediatric patients. The reported prevalence of T1DM varied between 20 and 35 per 100,000 children, with an increasing trend over recent decades. The peak age of onset was between 5 and 14 years, with a slight female predominance in most studies. Clinical presentations frequently included polyuria, polydipsia, and weight loss; however, 30–50% of children presented initially with diabetic ketoacidosis. Autoantibody testing revealed variable positivity rates, with glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies most commonly detected. Regional differences in presentation and complications were noted.
Conclusion: T1DM remains a significant pediatric health concern in Saudi Arabia, with rising prevalence and substantial rates of DKA at diagnosis. Improved awareness, early detection programs, and standardized diagnostic protocols are essential to optimize outcomes. Further large-scale, prospective studies are warranted to understand etiologic factors and tailor management strategies.
Cite This Article:
Please cite this article in press Fatimah Alkhamis et al., Prevalence And Clinical Characteristics Of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus In Children Presenting To A Tertiary Care Center In Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review, Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2025; 12(07).
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