To Örebro University

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: To investigate the frequency and characteristics of partial remission in Swedish children with type 1 diabetes and whether insulin delivery method, i.e., continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) or multiple daily injections (MDI) affect incidence and duration of this period 2007-2011. Factors that increase the proportion of subjects that enter partial remission and extend this period can improve long-term metabolic control and reduce the risk of severe hypoglycemia, improve quality of life and in the long run reduce late complications.

METHODS: Longitudinal data from 2007-2020 were extracted from the Swedish National Quality Register (SWEDIABKIDS) with all reported newly diagnosed children. Data on C-peptide from the participants in the Better Diabetes Diagnosis study (BDD) from 2007-2010 were used. The definition of partial remission was Insulin Dose Adjusted HbA1c (IDAA1c): HbA1c (%)+(4 x total daily insulin dose (U/kg/day)) ≤9.

RESULTS: Of the 3,887 patients, 56% were boys. More boys than girls were in partial remission throughout the follow-up period until 24 months after diabetes onset. Fewer children 0-6 years old had partial remission at 3 and 12 months but not at 24 months compared to older age groups. A larger proportion of patients using CSII at 12 and 24 months remained in partial remission compared to those with MDI (37% vs 33%, p=0.02 and 31% vs 27%, p<0.01 respectively). The level of C-peptide was higher in the group with partial remission and mean HbA1c was lower, both p<0.001. Partial remission at 12 months after diabetes onset was associated with CSII (OR:1.39 CI:1.13, 1.71), shorter diabetes duration (OR:0.80 CI:0.76, 0.84) and male sex (OR:1.23 CI:1.04, 1.46)

Conclusions/interpretation: Insulin through MDI, longer duration of diabetes, and female sex were associated with lower frequency of partial remission. Use of CSII seem to contribute to longer partial remission among Swedish children with type 1 diabetes.