Assessment of complications in children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Nineteen children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in the University Department of Paediatrics were assessed for complications of diabetes. 36.8% showed marked growth stunting, and half of the patients who attained puberty had a delayed onset of puberty. 42% showed limited joint mobility. Almost all the patients developed hypertrophic lipodystrophy while only 5 patients developed reversible lipoatrophy. Abnormal nerve conduction velocities were found in all 17 patients tested, with more of sensory nerve involvement. A significant correlation was found between duration of disease and the extent of neuropathy. Evidence of nephropathy was found in 5 patients, 2 of whom showed impaired renal function. One patient had background retinopathy, another had proliferative retinopathy and 2 patients developed cataracts. The high prevalence of microangiopathic complications in these children is probably related to their previous poor diabetic control and it is hoped that with home blood glucose monitoring to improve their control, these complications may be arrested or minimized.