Differing clinical features in A boriginal vs. non‐ A boriginal children presenting with type 2 diabetes

Objectives Childhood type 2 diabetes ( T 2 D ) is increasing and may present differently across various populations. This study compares clinical features of T 2 D at diagnosis in A boriginal children with C aucasian children and children from other high‐risk ethnic groups. Patients and methods This retrospective observational study used data from a C anadian surveillance study where newly diagnosed cases of childhood T 2 D were reported (n = 227). Using descriptive statistics, clinical features at diagnosis of T 2 D were compared across different ethnic groups including A boriginal (n = 100), Caucasian (n = 57), and other high‐risk ethnic groups (n = 64). Comparisons were made between A boriginal children living in central C anada ( M anitoba/northwestern O ntario) (n = 74) and A boriginal children from other regions of C anada (n = 26). Results Aboriginal children were younger, less obese, and less likely to have polycystic ovarian syndrome and dyslipidemia when compared to C aucasian children and children from other high‐risk ethnic groups (p < 0.05). A boriginal children from central C anada vs. those from other regions of C anada did not differ in age, body mass index z‐score, family history of T 2 D, or presence of acanthosis nigricans. Those from central Canada had lower hemoglobin A 1 c levels (p < 0.05) and were less likely to have dyslipidemia than A boriginal children from other regions (p < 0.05). Conclusions Clinical features and rates of comorbidity in children with newly diagnosed T 2 D differ across various populations ( C aucasian, A boriginal, and children who belong to other high‐risk ethnic groups) and across distinct A boriginal populations (those living in central C anada vs. those living in other regions of C anada). Future research should determine specific genetic and environmental factors that contribute to these differences.