Aim: Describe clinical aspects and outcome of children with diabetes mellitus in Lomé (Togo).
Methods: This work concern eighteen children consecutively admitted between 1997 and 2004 for diabetes mellitus. Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were done on the presentation of at least one of T2DM risk factors: obesity, familial history of T2DM, acanthosis nigricans, polycystic ovary syndrome, dislipidemia, high blood pressure.
Results: Twelve children presented type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), 5 T2DM and one, corticosteroids induced diabetes. At least one of the first degree parent suffered from diabetes in 4 of the 5 children with T2DM and 4 of the 12 patients with T1DM. Most patients (with T1DM or T2DM) presented polyuria, polydypsia and ketonuria at admission. All patients with T2DM were obese and had lifestyles characterised by high fat intake, sedentary attitudes, and physical inactivity. The corticosteroid induced diabetes cessed when corticosteroid stopped. The other patients were successfully treated with insulin (T1DM) or insulin then exercises and diets (T2DM).
Conclusion: Clinical presentation of diabetes mellitus is now characterised in Togo by the emergence of T2DM which principal risks factors are obesity and familial history of T2DM.