Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

High Resolution 3D Imaging of the Human Pancreas Neuro-insular Network
Published on: January 29, 2018
Type 1 diabetes mellitus in children in Papua New Guinea
Abstract:
Anecdotal and published information suggest a low incidence and prevalence of type 1 diabetes in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Incidence and prevalence were followed prospectively from July 1996, using the PNG Paediatric Surveillance Unit (PSU). No children were receiving insulin in Papua New Guinea at the start of the period. Over the next 4.5 years, 8 cases were reported--an annual incidence of 0.08/100,000 children aged < 15 years and a prevalence of 0.28/100,000 aged < 15 years. These figures are as low as any reported elsewhere. Three cases were from the small expatriate population. All cases in Melanesian children posed significant management problems, with two children dying during the study period.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Type I Diabetes I: Introduction
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations

