Clinical and Socioeconomic Characteristics Associated with Ketoacidosis at Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes in Italian Children—Nationwide Survey, 2014–2016

To analyse clinical and socioeconomic factors associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in Italy. Incident cases less than 15 years of age, were recruited during 2014-2016 from 31 paediatric centres. Age, gender, venous pH, presence of coeliac or thyroid disease, HbA1c, minority status, residence, family history of T1D and parents’ level of education were collected. DKA was defined according to ISPAD criteria. Point and 95% CI of DKA frequency were estimated. Two logistic regressions were performed to evaluate the role of clinical and socioeconomic characteristics on the risk of overall and severe DKA, considered as present vs. absent. A total of 1430 cases were evaluable. Severe and mild DKA frequencies were of 12.4% (95% CI: 10.8-14.3%) and 26.4% (95% CI: 24.1-28.7%), respectively. Females, minority status and younger children were at significant higher risk of DKA; family history of T1D and high maternal education were significantly associated with a lower risk. Despite prevention campaigns intended to reduce the DKA recently implemented, the frequency of DKA at T1D diagnosis remains high in Italy. Multiple factors affect the risk of DKA at the onset of type 1 diabetes, suggesting potential opportunity to intervene between symptom onset and development of diabetic ketoacidosis for both parents and clinicians.