Risk-Factors and Management of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Determining the Level of Association Between Socio-Demographic Variables and Risk Factors of Type 1 Diabetes Mellistus Among Children and Adolescents in Owerri Municipal and West Lga, Imo State

The exact underlying trigger of T1DM is a complicated interaction of genetic and environmental factors that is still not fully understood. This study identified the risk factors and management measures of Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) among children and adolescents in facilities in Owerri Metropolis. Using a cross-sectional study design, seventy (70) were conveniently recruited from Stella Maris Hospital Owerri, Imo State. A Semi-Structured questionnaire was the tool used in gathering the information needed for the study. Data were subjected to descriptive statistics and Chi-square using SPSS statistics version 23. The respondents were insignificantly dominated by female 36(51%) and were within the age bracket of 9-17 years 45(64%). Most of them were in secondary school 43(61%) with their caregivers achieving Tertiary education as highest qualification 45(64%). Majority was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age bracket of 10-14 years 33(47%). A greater proportion 56(80%) of the respondents had normal body mass index (BMI) and had siblings 40(57%) and grandparents 44(70%) that suffered Type 1 diabetes 40(57%) and Type 2 Diabetes 63(90%) respectively. Equally, socio demographic attributes, especially child’s age bracket and age at diagnosis of the child/adolescent demonstrated significant association (p ≤ 0.05) with some T1DM risk factors. Therefore, interventions that aim to minimize exposure to those risk factors are recommended in genetically susceptible patients.