Marked Increase in Diabetic Ketoacidosis Rates With Modest Increase in HbA1c Elevation at Diabetes Diagnosis in Swedish Children - Report - MDSpire
Coming Soon: Introducing MDSpire News. Learn more
Conexiant’s news site is now MDSpire News. Learn more

Significant Rise in Diabetic Ketoacidosis Incidence Linked to Slight Increase in HbA1c Levels at Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis Among Swedish Pediatric Patients

  • By

  • Frida Sundberg

  • Katarina Eeg-Olofsson

  • Karin Åkesson

  • September 17, 2026

Share

Significant Rise in Diabetic Ketoacidosis Incidence Linked to HbA1c Levels

Overview

The incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in Swedish children has increased significantly, reaching 30% in 2025. This rise occurs despite only a modest increase in mean HbA1c levels.

Background

The increase in DKA incidence at T1D diagnosis is a concerning trend in pediatric diabetes care, indicating that more children are presenting with severe metabolic acidosis.

Data Highlights

YearDKA Incidence (%)Mean HbA1c (mmol/mol)
2000-200414-17N/A
2007-201117-2092-97
2021-20253096-98

Key Findings

  • The proportion of children diagnosed with T1D presenting with DKA has risen to 30% in 2025.
  • Mean HbA1c levels at diagnosis have increased slightly, from 92-97 mmol/mol (2007-2011) to 96-98 mmol/mol (2021-2025).
  • Severe DKA (pH < 7.1) occurred in 8.4%-10% of children during 2021-2025.
  • Delayed diagnosis by healthcare personnel may contribute to increased DKA risk, but this requires further investigation.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should remain vigilant for symptoms of diabetes in children.

Conclusion

The rising incidence of DKA in newly diagnosed T1D patients highlights the need for further research into disease progression factors.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Sundberg F., Eeg-Olofsson K., Åkesson K., National Diabetes Register, 2025 -- Significant Rise in Diabetic Ketoacidosis Incidence Linked to Slight Increase in HbA1c Levels
  2. Frontiers in Endocrinology — Persistently increased frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis in new-onset type 1 diabetes in Polish children: nationwide analysis 2019–2022
  3. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism — Variations in Clinical Presentation and HLA Genetic Factors in Hispanic Children at the Onset of Type 1 Diabetes
  4. Association Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes and the Risk of Perianal Abscesses Linked to Poor Glycemic Control
  5. Frontiers in Endocrinology — Secular trends in HbA1c levels among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes
  6. ISPAD Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2022: Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state
  7. https://registercentrum.blob.core.windows.net/ndr/r/-rsrapport-NDR-2025_kompr-ohyRvb7Gt.pdf
  8. Worldwide prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed

Original Source(s)

Marked Increase in Diabetic Ketoacidosis Rates With Modest Increase in HbA1c Elevation at Diabetes Diagnosis in Swedish Children

  • by Frida Sundberg, Katarina Eeg-Olofsson, Karin Åkesson

  • September 17, 2026

Related Content

Educators weigh how to use AI without losing critical thinking

Greater productivity is not necessarily indicative of greater knowledge.

Nirsevimab may curb RSV severity

Real-world estimates showed protection across emergency, inpatient, and intensive care settings during Canada’s first universal immunization season.

Outdoor artificial nighttime light may raise childhood myopia risk

Higher exposure was associated with new-onset myopia over 3 years, with risk increasing sharply at higher nighttime light levels.