Prevalence of ketoacidosis at diagnosis of childhood onset Type 1 diabetes in Wales from 1991 to 2009 and effect of a publicity campaign

Abstract

Over 20 years in Wales there has been no change in the proportion of children with Type 1 diabetes initially presenting with ketoacidosis. This presentation occurs in a higher proportion of new cases aged under 5 years. Publicity to increase awareness did not reduce the proportion with ketoacidosis at diagnosis in Wales. We need to get the educational message through to parents to reduce ketoacidosis at presentation.