Persistently increased frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis in new-onset type 1 diabetes in Polish children: nationwide analysis 2019–2022 - Report - MDSpire

Persistently increased frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis in new-onset type 1 diabetes in Polish children: nationwide analysis 2019–2022

  • By

  • Arkadiusz Michalak

  • Barbara Pernak

  • Jędrzej Chrzanowski

  • Iwona Pietrzak

  • Iwona Beń-Skowronek

  • Artur Bossowski

  • Agata Chobot

  • Maria Bednarska

  • Katarzyna Dżygało

  • Wojciech Fendler

  • Barbara Głowińska-Olszewska

  • Martyna Górnicka de Almeida

  • Anita Horodnicka-Józwa

  • Katarzyna Jakubek-Kipa

  • Przemysława Jarosz-Chobot

  • Anna Kącka

  • Katarzyna Marcinkiewicz

  • Artur Mazur

  • Małgorzata Myśliwiec

  • Joanna Nazim

  • Barbara Wasyl-Nawrot

  • Elżbieta Niechciał

  • Anna Noczyńska

  • Ewa Rusak

  • Sebastian Seget

  • Monika Seifert

  • Elżbieta Skotarczyk-Kowalska

  • Anna Skowronek

  • Lidia Groele

  • Paulina Wais

  • Mieczysław Walczak

  • Anna Wołoszyn-Durkiewicz

  • Marta Wysocka-Mincewicz

  • Agnieszka Zubkiewicz-Kucharska

  • Agnieszka Szadkowska

  • June 29, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Rising Incidence of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes Among Polish Children

Overview

This nationwide study in Poland from 2019 to 2022 found that 54.5% of children with new-onset type 1 diabetes presented with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), with a notable increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. The frequency of DKA peaked at 58.6% in 2020.

Background

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes, particularly in children with new-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D). The incidence of DKA at diagnosis varies significantly across different regions. Understanding trends in DKA incidence is crucial for improving early diagnosis and management of T1D in pediatric populations.

Data Highlights

YearDKA Frequency
201947.9%
202058.6%
202254.0%

Key Findings

  • 54.5% of children with new-onset T1D presented with DKA.
  • DKA frequency increased from 47.9% in 2019 to 58.6% in 2020 (p<0.0001).
  • The observed DKA rate during the pandemic (56.8%) exceeded model predictions (47.5%; p=0.0041).
  • Children were more likely to present with moderate or severe DKA during the pandemic.
  • DKA severity decreased after the pandemic.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate a need for heightened awareness and prompt recognition of T1D symptoms in children, especially during public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Coordinated efforts are essential to reduce the incidence of DKA at diagnosis.

Conclusion

The study highlights an increase in DKA incidence among Polish children with new-onset T1D during the pandemic.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- Increasing incidence and severity of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes in Latvia during the COVID-19 pandemic
  2. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2026 -- Variations in Clinical Presentation and HLA Genetic Factors in Hispanic Children at the Onset of Type 1 Diabetes
  3. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2026 -- Identifying Risk Factors for Negative Outcomes in Pediatric Patients with Diabetic Ketoacidosis
  4. Infection, 2026 -- Infection Incidences and Islet Autoantibody Presence in Children at Elevated Risk for Type 1 Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic
  5. NICE, 2026 -- Recommendations | Diabetes (type 1 and type 2) in children and young people: diagnosis and management
  6. PubMed, 2026 -- Worldwide prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
  7. PMC, 2026 -- Glycemic Goals, Hypoglycemia, and Hyperglycemic Crises: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026
  8. Recommendations | Diabetes (type 1 and type 2) in children and young people: diagnosis and management | Guidance | NICE
  9. Worldwide prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed
  10. 6. Glycemic Goals, Hypoglycemia, and Hyperglycemic Crises: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026 - PMC

Original Source(s)

Persistently increased frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis in new-onset type 1 diabetes in Polish children: nationwide analysis 2019–2022

  • by Arkadiusz Michalak, Barbara Pernak, Jędrzej Chrzanowski, Iwona Pietrzak, Iwona Beń-Skowronek, Artur Bossowski, Agata Chobot, Maria Bednarska, Katarzyna Dżygało, Wojciech Fendler, Barbara Głowińska-Olszewska, Martyna Górnicka de Almeida, Anita Horodnicka-Józwa, Katarzyna Jakubek-Kipa, Przemysława Jarosz-Chobot, Anna Kącka, Katarzyna Marcinkiewicz, Artur Mazur, Małgorzata Myśliwiec, Joanna Nazim, Barbara Wasyl-Nawrot, Elżbieta Niechciał, Anna Noczyńska, Ewa Rusak, Sebastian Seget, Monika Seifert, Elżbieta Skotarczyk-Kowalska, Anna Skowronek, Lidia Groele, Paulina Wais, Mieczysław Walczak, Anna Wołoszyn-Durkiewicz, Marta Wysocka-Mincewicz, Agnieszka Zubkiewicz-Kucharska, Agnieszka Szadkowska

  • June 29, 2026

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