Incidence and hospitalization patterns of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Data from a statewide insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) registry in Rhode Island show that IDDM affects young adults (20-29 yr) as frequently as adolescents and teenagers (10-19 yr). Overall incidence less than 30 yr was 14/100,000 population. Peak incidence occurred at 10-14 yr (19/100,000 population). Poor diabetic control and infection accounted for 46-62% of hospitalizations among 275 known diabetic persons. Despite a 10-yr mean duration of diabetes, only 31% of hospitalized diabetic persons less than 30 yr of age reported ever having received outpatient diabetes education of two or more hours. Readmissions 1 yr after initial registration were more frequent for known (43%) than new-onset (18%) IDDM cases. Increased risk of readmission for both groups was associated with a poverty socioeconomic status. Total direct hospitalization costs for IDDM in persons under 30 yr of age in Rhode Island was $530,000 per year of $2,245 per patient.