Childhood onset of diabetes mellitus. Report on hospital cases.

Onset of diabetes mellitus (DM) during childhood and adolescence is still relatively uncommon in Indonesia compared to many other countries in Europe and the American continent. Two surveys done in two big cities in Indonesia (Semarang, 1974 and Surabaya, 1977) showed a prevalence of 0.2-0.26% in the age group of 6-20 years. In our clinic we have seen 28 patients with DM from 1973-1988. All were insulin dependent. The youngest was 1 year, the oldest 15 years of age. The peak age group was 6-10 years. Male/female ratio was 1:3. Fifteen children experienced ketoacidosis of whom 6 had it more than once. Two children had major thalassemia, both died. Six other patients died due to severe infections and inadequate treatment. One girl of 5 years had Grave's disease. Most of the patients belonged to the low socio-economic group for whom adequate treatment was not always possible.