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Incidence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in Colorado
1Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver 80262.
Insights
This study tracked childhood insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in Colorado from 1978-1988. Incidence rates were lower in Hispanic children and showed seasonal patterns in older children, unlike European trends.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), or Type 1 diabetes, is a significant childhood health concern.
- Understanding geographic and demographic variations in IDDM incidence is crucial for public health planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of IDDM in children aged 0-17 years in Colorado between 1978 and 1988.
- To analyze incidence rates by ethnicity and age group.
- To investigate seasonal and temporal trends in childhood IDDM.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a statewide registry based on physician surveillance for case ascertainment.
- Calculated age-adjusted incidence rates per 100,000 person-years.
- Analyzed data for ethnic disparities (Hispanic vs. non-Hispanic) and seasonal variations.
Main Results:
- Reported an age-adjusted IDDM incidence of 14.8/100,000 person-years.
- Observed lower incidence in Hispanic children (8.7/100,000) compared to non-Hispanic children (15.5/100,000).
- Found higher incidence in winter for children aged 5-17, with no significant seasonal pattern in younger children.
Conclusions:
- Colorado IDDM incidence did not show the increasing trend observed in Europe during the study period.
- Ethnic and seasonal variations in childhood IDDM incidence were identified in Colorado.
- Findings highlight the need for continued surveillance and research into contributing factors for IDDM.
Abstract:
We examined the incidence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in children 0-17 years of age in Colorado from 1978 to 1988. Cases were ascertained from a statewide registry based on physician surveillance. A total of 1,376 children were diagnosed during this interval in a population averaging 860,000 children. The degree of ascertainment was estimated to be 93.3%. The age-adjusted incidence rate of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus was 14.8/100,000 person-years. The rate was lower in individuals of Spanish origin (Hispanics) (8.7/100,000 person-years) compared with non-Hispanic individuals (15.5/100,000 person-years) (incidence rate ratio = 0.6, 95% confidence interval = 0.4-0.8). Incidence rates were higher in winter and lower in summer for children 5-17 years old. Children diagnosed before the age of 5 years showed no significant seasonal pattern, although peak incidences were observed in autumn and spring. No temporal trend in diabetes incidence was observed overall or by ethnic group. The increasing insulin-dependent diabetes incidence reported by registries in Europe during this time period was not observed in Colorado.