Frequency of Various Glycemic Abnormalities in Children and Adolescents with Beta Thalassemia Major

Background: Beta-thalassemia major is a significant hereditary disorder leading to transfusion-dependent anemia and iron overload. Chronic transfusions result in systemic iron deposition, predisposing to multiple endocrine complications, particularly disturbances in glucose metabolism. The reported frequency of glycemic abnormalities varies across populations, emphasizing the need for local epidemiological data to guide early screening and intervention strategies. Objective: To determine the frequency of prediabetes and diabetes among children and adolescents with beta-thalassemia major and to analyze associated biochemical parameters. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Nishtar Hospital, Multan, from December 2023 to May 2024. A total of 146 patients aged 12–18 years with confirmed beta-thalassemia major were enrolled through consecutive sampling. Patients with pre-existing diabetes, concurrent conditions, or medications affecting glucose metabolism were excluded. Fasting plasma glucose was used to assess glycemic status, while serum hemoglobin and ferritin levels were measured to evaluate disease and iron overload status. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26, and frequencies of glycemic abnormalities were calculated. Results: The mean age was 14.55 ± 1.71 years, with 55.5% males. The mean disease duration was 6.91 ± 1.51 years, and mean transfusion duration was 8.82 ± 1.72 years. Mean serum hemoglobin was 9.18 ± 1.57 g/dL, and mean ferritin level was 31.80 ± 12.95 ng/mL. Prediabetes was detected in 53.4% and diabetes in 28.1% of patients, indicating a high prevalence of glycemic abnormalities despite ongoing chelation therapy. Conclusion: Children and adolescents with beta-thalassemia major exhibit a high frequency of prediabetes and diabetes, necessitating routine metabolic screening and optimization of iron chelation to prevent long-term complications.