ABSTRACT.Children with type 1 diabetes mellitus usually show partial recovery of pancreatic β cell function after initial stabilization. This partial remission may favourably influence the diabetic state. This study aimed to investigate factors that may influence β cell recovery. Studies were made on 26 newly diagnosed diabetic children.Residual β cell function was estimated by plasma immunoreactive C‐peptide (CPR) values in the fasting state and after meal stimulus. Some residual function was detected in all diabetics studied. C‐peptide secreted in response to a meal varied between 0.03–0.415 pmol/ml (0.182 ± 0.144 pmol/ml, mean ± SD).Statistical analysis of variables hypothesised to relate to β cell function showed significant positive correlations between ΔCPRmax. and age, admission pH, duration of preceding symptoms, and duration of treatment. Significant negative correlations were obtained between ΔCPRmax. and fasting glucose and insulin dosage at resuscitation. No significant correlations were observed between fasting CPR and the parameters mentioned. Multiple regression analysis reinforced the relationship between ΔCPRmax. and age at onset, fasting glucose and admission pH. It is concluded that β cell responsiveness is related to these factors at initial presentation and to quality of control as indicated by fasting bloo