RG. Alvelos, P. Santos, M. Sebastião, C. Tavares, IB. Rua, J. Serra-Caetano, R. Cardoso, I. Dinis, et al. (2026). Ketoacidosis in new-onset type 1 diabetes: return to pre-COVID-19 pandemic reality?. Pediatric endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism, 32(1), 32-37. https://doi.org/10.5114/pedm.2026.159708

PubMed 42023626

[Abstract]
INTRODUCTION: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood, with its incidence increasing globally. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been associated with an increase in severity of cases of diabetic ketoacidosis.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood, with its incidence increasing globally. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been associated with an increase in severity of cases of diabetic ketoacidosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, using patients' clinical records, between March 2016 and March 2024. The sample was divided in three groups: pre-pandemic (March 2016 to March 2020), pandemic (March 2020 to March 2021), and post-pandemic (March 2021 to March 2024).

RESULTS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, using patients' clinical records, between March 2016 and March 2024. The sample was divided in three groups: pre-pandemic (March 2016 to March 2020), pandemic (March 2020 to March 2021), and post-pandemic (March 2021 to March 2024).

CONCLUSIONS: There was an improvement in the post-pandemic period, with a lower severity at presentation. However, the rate of ketoacidosis remained high, and the focus must remain on implementing preventative measures.