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Type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents is not associated with a reduced prevalence of atopy and allergic diseases
Author(s) -
JasserNitsche Hildegard,
Varga EvaMaria,
Borkenstein Helmuth Martin,
Höntzsch Julia,
Suppan Elisabeth,
Weinhandl Gudrun,
Pieringer Lisa,
Avian Alexander,
FröhlichReiterer Elke
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
pediatric diabetes
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.678
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1399-5448
pISSN - 1399-543X
DOI - 10.1111/pedi.12504
Subject(s) - medicine , atopy , type 1 diabetes , allergy , sensitization , diabetes mellitus , pediatrics , allergen , cohort , breastfeeding , population , hygiene hypothesis , asthma , immunology , environmental health , endocrinology
Background Type 1 diabetes mellitus ( T1D ) as well as allergies in childhood have increased worldwide during the last 2 decades. The reasons for this increase are still unknown but early life origins are being discussed, such as dietary and hygiene factors that may play a role in the development of both diseases. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of allergies in children with and without T1D and to define potential influencing factors. Materials and Methods Data were collected from 104 patients with T1D (n = 104; mean age 11.4 ± 4.4 years; m/f: 77/27) and 104 healthy controls ( CG ) (n = 104; mean age 11.4 ± 4.3 years; m/f: 77/27). A questionnaire on allergic symptoms was obtained from each individual. In parallel, ImmunoCAP tests to detect specific allergen sensitization were performed. Results Allergen sensitization rates were not significantly different between both groups ( T1D : 42% vs CG 38%; P = 0.625). In both groups, a comparable number of patients reported allergic symptoms in the questionnaire ( T1D : 20% vs CG 26%; P = 0.43). Allergen sensitization and allergic symptoms were independent of breastfeeding, pets at home or diabetes duration. However, in T1D , fewer family members smoked ( T1D : 10% vs CG 56%; P < 0.001). Conclusions The present cohort study shows the same prevalence of allergy and atopy in a pediatric diabetes population compared to healthy controls. Diabetes per se does not seem to influence the development of allergies.