Incidence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (0-14 years) in the Abruzzo Region, Italy, 1990-1995: results from a population-based register.

OBJECTIVE

To provide incidence data of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in the Abruzzo Region, Italy in 0-14 year-old children and contribute to a better understanding of IDDM geographical variability throughout Italy.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

All incident cases younger than 15 years first diagnosed with IDDM according to the WHO criteria between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 1995 and resident in the Abruzzo Region were recorded. The primary sources were divisions of pediatrics, endocrinology or medicine, diabetic centers for adult patients and the Regional Pediatric Diabetology Centre. Secondary independent sources included registered prescriptions for insulin in local district units of the National Health System and the regional IDDM association for children.

RESULTS

During the six years, 117 new cases of IDDM in the age-group 0-14 were identified, with an overall standardized incidence rate of 9.34/100,000/year (95% C.I. 7.76-10.95). The crude incidence rate was highest in the 10-14 year age-group (10.64, 95% C.I. 7.66-13.62). Teramo province showed the highest standardized incidence rate, 10.30/100,000/year (95% C.I. 6.58-14.02); it is noteworthy that the IDDM rate in Teramo (15.40/100,000/year) was the highest in peninsular Italy in 1994. Abruzzo Region shows significantly higher rates than other central Italian regions. No significant difference in rates between males and females was observed. Seasonality was not observed from incidence data.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the highest incidence rate for IDDM in children in the Italian mainland in the years 1990-95. Our findings confirm the need for epidemiological research to provide more information about the distribution of genetic markers and the etiologic role of environmental factors in Italian regions.