Atopy in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Single-Center Study

INTRODUCTION: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that is frequently encountered in childhood, arising from immune-mediated impairment of pancreatic β-cell function. Th1 responses are predominantly associated with autoimmune mechanisms within T helper (Th) cell subsets, while Th2 responses are primarily involved in allergic diseases. The balance between Th1 and Th2 pathways may reflect a potential inverse relationship between autoimmune and atopic conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of atopy among children and adolescents with T1DM.
METHODS: This study included 30 children diagnosed with T1DM and 100 healthy children. The presence of atopy was assessed using the International Association of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. In addition, atopy indicators included physician-confirmed diagnoses, serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentrations, and peripheral eosinophil counts.
RESULTS: The prevalence of atopy, serum IgE levels, and eosinophil counts were similar between the diabetic and control groups.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate no significant or directional association between T1DM and atopic diseases in children, with comparable prevalence rates observed between patients and healthy controls. These results suggest that the relationship is complex and multifactorial, extending beyond the traditional Th1/Th2 paradigm and likely involving multiple immunological and environmental mechanisms.

Keywords: Allergy and immunology, atopy, child, diabetes mellitus, type 1.