The increase in diabetes in children from underdeveloped countries

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Endocrinology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Global incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in children and adolescents has risen over decades.
• Trends in T1D incidence differ between developed and underdeveloped countries.
• Limited data exists on childhood T1D trends in many low-resource settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review changes in childhood T1D incidence in underdeveloped countries over the past decade.
• To identify regions with notable increases in pediatric T1D.
• To highlight the need for better data collection in these areas.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on childhood T1D incidence.
• Focus on underdeveloped countries with available epidemiological data.
• Analysis of temporal trends in T1D incidence.

Main Results:

• Most underdeveloped countries lack nationwide, population-based T1D studies.
• Childhood T1D incidence, once low, has significantly increased recently in these nations.
• Notable increases observed in sub-Saharan African, Middle Eastern, and North African regions.

Conclusions:

• Childhood T1D incidence shows a significant upward trend in underdeveloped countries.
• Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and North Africa are particularly affected.
• Establishing T1D registries and conducting population-based studies are crucial for understanding and managing childhood T1D in these regions.