POSTINITIAL REMISSION IN DIABETIC CHILDREN– AN ANALYSIS OF 178 CASES

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Abstract
Diabetic children and adolescents [178] diagnosed during the period 1962-79 were studied to find out the occurrence and duration of the postinitial remission, factors favoring a remission and the prognostic value of the remission. A postinitial remission occurred in 113 children (64%) being complete in only 3 boys (2%). The duration ranged from 1 mo.-4.8 yr, the mean being 8.4 mo. The boys had a remission more often and of longer duration than the girls. The duration of diabetes was longer in the children without remission. The children with remission had lower blood glucose, milder hyperketonemia and ketonuria, higher pH and PCO2 at onset than those without remission. HbA1 levels during 1979 were lower in the children with a positive remission history. The children with a remission lasting more than 1 yr had a subsequently higher glucosuria index, lower HbA1 and higher C-peptide when compared to those without remission or to those with a short remission. The remission frequency increased from 1962-1979. Male sex and mild metabolic derangement at onset favor a postinitial remission, which results in a persisting residual .beta.-cell function and better metabolic control beyond the remission.