Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus in Children and Adolescents; A Systematic Review

Aims: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases among pediatric patients. Current research indicates that efforts to prevent diabetes in children and teenagers have not been successful. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with diabetes among children and adolescents. Information Methods: This systematic review was conducted through literature searches in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and Medline databases. The search filter incorporated terms such as diabetes mellitus, T1DM, T2DM, child, and adolescent. Findings: The initial database search retrieved 9,949 articles. Ultimately, only 15 studies met the criteria and proceeded to the next stage for extraction and analysis. Based on the analysis of the eligible studies, various risk factors for the incidence of diabetes in children and adolescents were identified and categorized into non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors. Non-modifiable factors included family history of diabetes, ethnicity, gender, and age. Additionally, maternal pregnancy and unmarried parents were found to contribute to the incidence of diabetes in children. Modifiable risk factors included obesity, sedentary behavior, physical activity, smoking history, and diet. Conclusion: Family history of diabetes mellitus and obesity are the main risk factors for diabetes. There is a significant relationship between modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.