Immunological and Metabolic Studies on Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: In early childhood, type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune illness marked by the death of pancreatic β-cells by the immune system. Autoantibodies that are important indicators of illness etiology and diagnosis include insulin autoantibodies (IAA), glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 antibodies (GAD65Ab), and insulinoma-associated antigen-2 antibodies (IA-2Ab). Objective: This study evaluates the prevalence of diabetes-related autoantibodies (GAD65Ab, IA-2Ab, and IAA) and assesses metabolic parameters, including random blood sugar (RBS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), ketone bodies, and C-peptide levels in children under five years of age with T1DM compared with healthy controls. Methods: This case–control study included 60 children diagnosed with T1DM and 60 age- and sex-matched healthy controls, all aged <5 years. Serum autoantibodies were measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). RBS, HbA1c, ketone bodies, and C-peptide levels were assessed using standard biochemical methods. Statistical analyses were performed to compare patients and controls. Results: Children with T1DM showed significantly higher positivity rates for GAD65Ab, IA-2Ab, and IAA compared with controls (p < 0.001). Mean RBS and HbA1c levels were markedly elevated in patients, while C-peptide levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.001). Ketone bodies were detected in a substantial proportion of patients but were absent in controls. Conclusion: Autoantibodies GAD65Ab, IA-2Ab, and IAA are highly prevalent in children under five years with T1DM and are associated with poor glycemic control and reduced β-cell function. Early identification of these markers may support timely diagnosis and management of T1DM in young children.