New aspects of etiopathogenesis of diabetes mellitus type 1 in children

Apparent increase of the incidence of childhood diabetes mellitus has been observed in many countries over the last decades. Data of seasonality are not consistent, especially in younger group. The triggering of the autoimmune process in genetically susceptible individuals may be the result of a variety of environmental factors including viral infections, specific nutrients, early introduction of cow?s milk proteins and ingestion of nitrosamines, stress-inducing events, early perinatal lesions. Clinical studies of the last decade have confirmed that diabetes mellitus in young children is specific type of type 1 diabetes. At presentation, children in preschool age group, who have type 1 diabetes, have higher incidence of ketoacidosis with coma because of immaturity of the central nervous system. Delays in diagnosis in small children often lead to more severe dehydration and ketoacidosis. Children in the young age group who have type 1 diabetes represent unique set of problems for their families and health care team.