Young children, adolescent girls and women with type 1 diabetes are more overweight and obese than reference populations, and this is associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors

Aim: Overweight and obesity are frequently reported in young persons with type 1 diabetes, however its relative magnitude in comparison to the general population is not well understood. This study compared the prevalence of overweight and obesity in young persons with type 1 diabetes to a reference population and explored possible associated factors, including gender, age, HbA1c, insulin regimen, age at diagnosis, diabetes duration, socio‐economic status and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Methods: A cross‐sectional review was undertaken of data collected from youth (3–17 years) in 2016 and young adults (18–30 years) in 2015 with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes for > 3 months attending diabetes centres in Newcastle, Australia. Rates of overweight and obesity were compared with matched population survey results. Results: Data from 308 youth and 283 young adults were included. In girls, significantly higher prevalence of overweight and obesity were seen in the 5–8 (43% vs. 18%), 13–16 (41% vs. 27%), 18–24 (46% vs. 34%) and 25–30 (60% vs. 43%) years age groups; whereas in boys increased prevalence was observed in the 5–8 years age group only (41% vs. 18%). Rates of overweight and obesity increased with age across sexes. In youth, BMI standard deviation score was correlated with socio‐economic status, insulin regimen, blood pressure and blood lipids (P < 0.05). In adults, BMI was positively associated with blood pressure, and longer diabetes duration (P < 0.02). Conclusions: Overweight and obesity are over‐represented in young persons with type 1 diabetes, particularly girls. As overweight is associated with other cardiovascular disease markers early intervention is paramount.