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Register of newly diagnosed diabetic children
Insights
A 1972 register tracked new childhood diabetes cases in Britain and Ireland. Findings revealed incidence rates, seasonal and age-related patterns, and familial clustering in pediatric diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Established in November 1972 by the British Diabetic Association.
- Aims to track new cases of diabetes in children aged 0-15 years across Great Britain and Ireland.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish the incidence and epidemiological characteristics of childhood diabetes.
- To identify patterns in onset, geographical distribution, and familial aggregation.
Main Methods:
- Prospective notification of all new childhood diabetes cases.
- Data collection on age, sex, geographical location, and family history.
- Statistical analysis of incidence rates, age distribution, sex ratios, and seasonal variations.
Main Results:
- Over 2000 cases notified in the first two years.
- Minimum yearly incidence estimated at 7.67 per 100,000, with geographical and temporal variations.
- Evidence of clustering, seasonal peaks in autumn/winter, bimodal age distribution (peaks at 5 and 11 years), and slight male excess.
- 11% of patients had a first-degree relative with diabetes.
Conclusions:
- The register provides valuable data on childhood diabetes epidemiology.
- Identified significant variations in incidence, suggesting complex etiological factors.
- Highlights the importance of family history and potential environmental influences in pediatric diabetes.
Abstract:
In November 1972 the British Diabetic Association sponsored a register to which notification was invited of all new cases of diabetes occurring in children aged 0-15 years in Great Britain and Ireland. More than 2000 cases were notified in the first two years. Notification suggested that there was a minimum yearly incidence of 7-67 cases per 100 000, though incidences varied from year to year and by geographical area. Several reports of simultaneous onset of diabetes in sibs of different ages provided evidence of clustering. A seasonal variation in incidence was found in children aged 5-15 years with peaks in the autumn and winter. The age distribution was bimodal with a main peak at about 11 years and a secondary peak at about 5 years. The sex ratio showed a male excess from 0-4 years and from 11-15 years and a female excess from 5-10 years. Overall there were slightly more male cases. Altogether 11% of patients had a first-degree relative with diabetes. The register and several investigations based on it will continue.