Predictors of Metabolic Control at One Year in a Population of Pediatric Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Melttus: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The rising prevalence of pediatric type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and non-adherence to diabetes regimens pose challenges to obtaining optimal control. This study evaluated factors that may impact glycemic control (HbA1c): age, Tanner stage, body mass index (BMI), total daily insulin (TDD), metformin dose (MET), activity level, frequency of clinic visits and adherence. METHODS: One-year data from 72 patients (ages 8.6-17.8 years) were collected retrospectively. From that sample, 57 patients who continued to attend clinic for the entire year were assessed and divided into optimal and suboptimal HbA1c control groups. RESULTS: All factors measured were similar in the two groups, except for lower initial and 1.0-year HbA1c, TDD, and rates of missing MET and insulin in the optimal HbA1c control group. CONCLUSIONS: Initial glycemic status and adherence rate predicted metabolic control at one year. Early identification of DM2 may improve metabolic outcome, which may improve medical regimen adherence.