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Prevalence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in Asian children
Insights
This study found similar prevalence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in Asian and White Caucasian children in Leicester. The findings challenge assumptions of significant differences in IDDM rates between these ethnic groups.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) prevalence varies across ethnic groups.
- Previous assumptions suggested a significant difference in IDDM rates between Asian and White Caucasian populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To ascertain the prevalence of IDDM in children under 15 years in Leicester.
- To compare IDDM prevalence between Asian and White Caucasian children.
- To challenge existing views on ethnic differences in IDDM prevalence.
Main Methods:
- A population-based survey conducted in Leicester City from 1984-85.
- Inclusion of 64,535 children under 15 years (20,267 Asian, 44,268 White Caucasian).
- Data collection via central registers, health visitor index cards, hospital admissions, and individual registers.
Main Results:
- Overall IDDM prevalence per thousand for children aged 0-15 years was 0.54 for Asian and 0.99 for White Caucasians.
- Prevalence rates for ages 10-15 years were 0.97 (Asian) and 1.87 (White Caucasian).
- Prevalence rates for ages 0-9 years were 0.31 (Asian) and 0.38 (White Caucasian).
- The observed differences in prevalence were not statistically significant at the 5% level.
Conclusions:
- This study is the first population-based investigation of its kind in Asian children.
- The findings suggest that the prevalence of IDDM may not differ significantly between Asian and White Caucasian children.
- Further research with a larger population base is recommended to validate these observations.
Abstract:
A survey was conducted in 1984-85, within Leicester City boundaries, which contains 64,535 children below the age of 15 years (20,267 Asian and 44,268 White Caucasian) to ascertain the prevalence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) using a central register maintained for the changeover to U-100 insulin, diabetic health visitor index cards, hospital admissions of diabetic children, and individual registers maintained by us. Overall prevalence per thousand for children aged 0-15 years was 0.54 for Asian and 0.99 for White Caucasians; for ages 10-15 years they were 0.97 and 1.87, and for ages 0-9 years, 0.31 and 0.38, respectively. This was not statistically different at the 5% level. Ours is the first population based study of its kind in Asian children, and challenges the view that there is a large difference in the prevalence of IDDM between Asians and White Caucasians. A wider analysis of this observation incorporating a large population base is suggested.