Rising incidence of type 1 diabetes in Scottish children, 1984-93. The Scottish Study Group for the Care of Young Diabetics

Type 1 diabetes incidence in Scotland between 2006 and 2019

AIMS

To describe type 1 diabetes incidence in Scotland between 2006 and 2019.

METHODS

Repeated annual cross-sectional studies of type 1 diabetes incidence were conducted. Incident cases were identified from the Scottish Care Information-Diabetes Collaboration (SCI-DC), a population-based register of people with diagnosed diabetes derived from primary and secondary care data. Mid-year population estimates for Scotland were used as the denominator to calculate annual incidence with stratification by age and sex. Joinpoint regression was used to investigate whether incidence changed during the study period. Age and sex-specific type 1 diabetes incidence over the whole time period was estimated by quintile of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD), an area-based measure, in which Q1 and Q5 denote the most and least deprived fifths of the population, respectively, with quasi-Poisson regression used to compare incidence for Q5 compared to Q1.

RESULTS

The median (IQR) age of the study population of 14,564 individuals with incident type 1 diabetes was 24.1 (12.3-42.4) years, 56% were men, 23% were in Q1 and 16% were in Q5. Incidence of T1DM was higher in men than women overall (at around 22 and 17 per 100,000, respectively) and in under 15 year olds (approximately 40 per 100,000 in both sexes) than other age groups and was similar across the study period in all strata. There was an inverse association between socio-economic status and type 1 diabetes incidence for 15-29, 30-49 and 50+ year olds [incidence rate ratio (IRR) for Q5 compared to Q1; IRR (95% CI) 0.52 (0.47-0.58), 0.68 (0.61-0.76) and 0.53(0.46-0.61), respectively] but not for under 15 year olds [1.02 (0.92-1.12)].

CONCLUSION

Incidence of type 1 diabetes varies by age, sex and socio-economic status and has remained approximately stable from 2006 to 2019 in Scotland.

Prevalence and incidence of type 1 diabetes in the world: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Diabetes is referred to a group of diseases characterized by high glucose levels in blood. It is caused by a deficiency in the production or function of insulin or both, which can occur because of different reasons, resulting in protein and lipid metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to systematically review the prevalence and incidence of type 1 diabetes in the world. Methods: A systematic search of resources was conducted to investigate the prevalence and incidence of type 1 diabetes in the world. The databases of Medline (via PubMed and Ovid),ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Science from January 1980 to September 2019 were searched to locate English articles. The located articles were screened in multiple levels of title, abstract,and full-text and final studies that met the inclusion criteria were retrieved and included in the study. Results: From 1202 located articles, 193 studies were included in this systematic review. The results of meta-analysis showed that the incidence of type 1 diabetes was 15 per 100,000 people and the prevalence was 9.5% (95% CI: 0.07 to 0.12) in the world, which was statistically significant. Conclusion: According to the results, the incidence and prevalence of type 1 diabetes are increasing in the world. As a result, insulin will be difficult to access and afford, especially in underdeveloped and developing countries.

Perceptions of Adolescent Patients of the "Lived Experience" of Type 1 Diabetes

The care and management of adolescents with type 1 diabetes presents numerous challenges that are inherent to the fears, attitudes, and perceptions of their illness. This qualitative study aimed to explore the "lived experience" of individuals with type 1 diabetes. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in their adolescent years to elicit their views, perceptions, and concerns regarding living with diabetes. All interviews were conducted and analyzed using the principles of grounded theory. Five categories defining the patients' lived experience were elicited: Barriers, Develop Skills, Manage Emotion, Social World, and Health Care Professionals. The problems experienced by adolescents with type 1 diabetes are multifactorial. Existentially, type 1 diabetes affects their daily activities and impinges on their academic achievement and personal aspirations. They have great difficulty coping with their health status and highlight a lack of empathy from health care professionals (HCPs). Their major fear is of hypoglycemia, resulting in their subsequent focus of preventing hypoglycemic episodes. Indeed, regardless of consequence, blood glucose levels are often deliberately kept above recommended levels, which serves to decrease the effectiveness of their health care management. This study shows that the quality of care provided for adolescent patients with type 1 diabetes is failing to meet their expectations and falls short of the essential standards commensurate with current health care policy. Improvements in long-term care management for these patients require changes in both patients' and professionals' understanding of the disease and of the ways it is managed.

Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network: management of diabetes (SIGN 55)

In Scotland the St Vincent Declaration has been implemented via the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). Between 1996—1998, seven guidelines were published. SIGN 55 has revised and updated these previous guidelines and now includes a section on diet and lifestyle. SIGN 55 will be a key cornerstone of the Scottish Diabetes Framework.

Creating a national register of childhood type 1 diabetes using routinely collected hospital data

INTRODUCTION

There is no national register of childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus for England. Our aim was to assess the feasibility of using routine hospital admissions data as a surrogate for a childhood diabetes register across England, and to create a geographically referenced childhood diabetes dataset for use in epidemiologic studies and health service research.

METHODS

Hospital Episodes Statistics data for England from April 1992 to March 2006 referring to a type 1 diabetes diagnosis in 0-14 yr olds were cleaned to approximate an incident dataset. The cleaned data were validated against regional population-based register data, available for Yorkshire and the area of the former Oxford Regional Health Authority.

RESULTS

There were 32 665 unique cases of type 1 and type unknown diabetes over the study period. The hospital-derived data improved in quality over time (91% concordance with regional register data over the period 2000-2006 vs. 52% concordance over the period 1992-1999), and data quality was better for younger (0-9 yr) (86.5% concordance with regional register data) than older cases (10-14 yr). Overall incidence was 24.99 (95% confidence interval 24.71-25.26) per 100 000. Basic trends in age distribution, seasonality of onset, and incidence matched well with previously reported findings.

CONCLUSION

We were able to create a surrogate register of childhood diabetes based on national hospital admissions data, containing approximately 2300 cases/yr, and geo-coded to a high resolution. For younger cases (0-9 yr) and more recent years (from 2000) these data will be a useful resource for epidemiological studies exploring the determinants of childhood diabetes.

Achieved levels of HbA1c and likelihood of hospital admission in people with type 1 diabetes in the Scottish population: a study from the Scottish Diabetes Research Network Epidemiology Group

OBJECTIVE

People with type 1 diabetes have increased risk of hospital admission compared with those without diabetes. We hypothesized that HbA(1c) would be an important indicator of risk of hospital admission.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The Scottish Care Information-Diabetes Collaboration, a dynamic national register of diagnosed cases of diabetes in Scotland, was linked to national data on admissions. We identified 24,750 people with type 1 diabetes during January 2005 to December 2007. We assessed the relationship between deciles of mean HbA(1c) and hospital admissions in people with type 1 diabetes adjusting for patient characteristics.

RESULTS

There were 3,229 hospital admissions. Of the admissions, 8.1% of people had mean HbA(1c) <7.0% (53 mmol/mol) and 16.3% had HbA(1c) <7.5% (58 mmol/mol). The lowest odds of admission were associated with HbA(1c) 7.7-8.7% (61-72 mmol/mol). When compared with this decile, a J-shaped relationship existed between HbA(1c) and admission. The highest HbA(1c) decile (10.8-18.4%/95-178 mmol/mol) showed significantly higher odds ratio (95% CI) for any admission (2.80, 2.51-3.12); the lowest HbA(1c) decile (4.4-7.1%/25-54 mmol/mol) showed an increase in odds of admission of 1.29 (1.10-1.51). The highest HbA(1c) decile experienced significantly higher odds of diabetes-related (3.31, 2.94-3.72) and diabetes ketoacidosis admissions (10.18, 7.96-13.01).

CONCLUSIONS

People with type 1 diabetes with highest and lowest mean HbA(1c) values were associated with increased odds of admission. People with high HbA(1c) (>10.8%/95 mmol/mol) were at particularly high risk. There is the need to develop effective interventions to reduce this risk.

Maternal and neonatal risk factors for childhood type 1 diabetes: a matched case-control study

Background

An interaction between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors is thought to be involved in the aetiology of type 1 diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate maternal and neonatal risk factors for type 1 diabetes in children under 15 years old in Grampian, Scotland.

Methods

A matched case-control study was conducted by record linkage. Cases (n = 361) were children born in Aberdeen Maternity Hospital from 1972 to 2002, inclusive, who developed type 1 diabetes, identified from the Scottish Study Group for the Care of Diabetes in the Young Register. Controls (n = 1083) were randomly selected from the Aberdeen Maternity Neonatal Databank, matched by year of birth. Exposure data were obtained from the Aberdeen Maternity Neonatal Databank. Conditional logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between various maternal and neonatal factors and the risk of type 1 diabetes.

Results

There was no evidence of statistically significant associations between type 1 diabetes and maternal age, maternal body mass index, previous abortions, pre-eclampsia, amniocentesis, maternal deprivation, use of syntocinon, mode of delivery, antepartum haemorrhage, baby's sex, gestational age at birth, birth order, birth weight, jaundice, phototherapy, breast feeding, admission to neonatal unit and Apgar score (P > 0.05). A significantly decreased risk of type 1 diabetes was observed in children whose mothers smoked at the booking appointment compared to those whose mothers did not, with an adjusted OR of 0.67, 95% CI (0.46, 0.99).

Conclusions

This case-control study found limited evidence of a reduced risk of the development of type 1 diabetes in children whose mothers smoked, compared to children whose mothers did not. No evidence was found of a significant association between other maternal and neonatal factors and childhood type 1 diabetes.

The pancreas in human type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is considered a disorder whose pathogenesis is autoimmune in origin, a notion drawn in large part from studies of human pancreata performed as far back as the 1960s. While studies of the genetics, epidemiology, and peripheral immunity in T1D have been subject to widespread analysis over the ensuing decades, efforts to understand the disorder through analysis of human pancreata have been far more limited. We have reviewed the published literature pertaining to the pathology of the human pancreas throughout all stages in the natural history of T1D. This effort uncovered a series of findings that challenge many dogmas ascribed to T1D and revealed data suggesting the marked heterogeneity in terms of its pathology. An improved understanding and appreciation for pancreatic pathology in T1D could lead to improved disease classification, an understanding of why the disorder occurs, and better therapies for disease prevention and management.

Increasing incidence of pediatric type 1 diabetes mellitus in Southeastern Wisconsin: relationship with body weight at diagnosis

Introduction

Several studies have confirmed the increasing rate of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in children and the link with increasing BMI at diagnosis termed the ‘accelerator hypothesis’. Our objective was to assess whether changing incidence of type 1 diabetes in a group of children and adolescent from the Midwest United States was associated with changes in BMI.

Methods

Data from 1618 (52.1% M/47.9% F) newly-diagnosed children and adolescents (<19 years) with T1DM, admitted to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin (CHW) between January 1995 and December 2004, was analyzed in relationship to body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score (SDS).

Results

An overall, 10-year cumulative incidence of 27.92 per 100,000 (19.12 to 41.72/100,000) was observed, with an average yearly cumulative incidence of 2.39%. The increase was largest in the younger age groups, 0–4, 5–9, and 10–14 having an average yearly increase of 2.4, 2.3, and 3.0%, respectively, corresponding to a relative 10-year increase of 25.3, 33.8, and 38.0%, respectively. Age at diagnosis was inversely correlated with BMI SDS (p<0.001) and remained significant for both males and females.

Conclusions

Annual incidence of T1DM increased two-fold at CHW over the 10-year study period. The majority of the increase was observed in the youngest age groups, which also appeared to be the heaviest. This research adds to the growing literature supporting the hypothesis that excess weight gain during childhood may be a risk factor for early manifestation of T1DM.

Young children (<5 yr) and adolescents (>12 yr) with type 1 diabetes mellitus have low rate of partial remission: diabetic ketoacidosis is an important risk factor

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether there are different rates of partial remission in preschool, school-age children, and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and to identify clinical characteristics that are associated with increased rate of partial remission.

DESIGN/METHODS

A total of 152 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed T1DM in 2004 were studied. Clinical characteristics at diagnosis, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), and total daily insulin dose (TDD) at 3-month interval follow-up for 1 yr were analyzed in each age-group (group 1, aged <5 yr; group 2, aged 5-12 yr; and group 3, aged >12 yr). Partial remission was defined as TDD <0.5 units/kg/d with HbA1C <8% assessed at 6 months after diagnosis.

RESULTS

Young children (group 1, 26.8%) and adolescents (group 3, 29%) had low rates of partial remission compared with school-age children (group 2, 56%, p = 0.002). There were no differences in the rates of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), autoantibody frequency, and HbA1C at diagnosis between age-groups. DKA at diagnosis was associated with less likelihood of having partial remission (p < 0.001). There were no associations between gender, autoantibodies, and HbA1C at diagnosis and the rate of partial remission.

CONCLUSIONS

Young children and adolescent children with T1DM had a low rate of partial remission. Metabolic control was poorest in young children, whereas higher dose insulin in adolescents because of insulin resistance contributes to less likelihood of having partial remission. DKA at diagnosis was associated with low rate of partial remission. It is possible that the low frequency of honeymoon phase in young children reflects more aggressive beta-cell destruction in young children.

Increasing prevalence and incidence of thyroid disease in Tayside, Scotland: the Thyroid Epidemiology Audit and Research Study (TEARS)

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to describe the changing incidence of thyroid disease in a population-based study in Tayside, Scotland (population 390 000) between 1994 and 2001.

DESIGN

A retrospective, data-linkage, population-based study measuring the incidence and prevalence of thyroid disease.

PATIENTS

All patients with newly diagnosed, treated and stable thyroid disease in Tayside were identified by electronic linkage of six datasets, including all regional biochemistry data, hospital admissions, deaths and a thyroid follow-up register.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of thyroid dysfunction has increased from 2.3% to 3.8% (1994-2001). The prevalence of ever having had hyperthyroidism increased from 0.86% to 1.26% in females and 0.17% to 0.24% in males (P < 0.0001 for both). The standardized incidence of hyperthyroidism increased from 0.68 to 0.87 per 1000 females/year, representing a 6.3% annual increase (P < 0.0001). The prevalence of primary hypothyroidism increased from 3.12% to 5.14% in females and 0.51% to 0.88% in males (P < 0.0001 for both). The standardized incidence of primary hypothyroidism did not change and varied between 3.90 and 4.89 per 1000 females/year over the 8 years. Incidence of hypothyroidism in males increased from 0.65 to 1.01 per 1000 males/year (P = 0.0017). Mean age at diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism declined in females from 1994 to 2001.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of primary hypothyroidism and previous hyperthyroidism has increased in Tayside, Scotland. This is partly due to an increasing incidence of disease, increased ascertainment and earlier diagnosis of disease. This will result in an increased workload for endocrinologists and general practitioners.

An update on the etiology and epidemiology of diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting almost 6% of the world's population. The number of diabetic patients will reach 300 million in 2025 (International Diabetes Federation, 2001). More than 97% of these patients will have type II diabetes. The projected increase in the number of diabetic patients will strain the capabilities of healthcare providers the world over. Thus it is of paramount importance to revisit the causes and epidemiology of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is caused by both environmental and genetic factors. The environmental factors that may lead to the development of diabetes mellitus include physical inactivity, drugs and toxic agents, obesity, viral infection, and location. While type I diabetes is not a genetically predestined disease, an increased susceptibility can be inherited. Genetic susceptibility plays a crucial role in the etiology and manifestation of type II diabetes, with concordance in monozygotic twins approaching 100%. Genetic factors may have to be modified by environmental factors for diabetes mellitus to become overt. An individual with a susceptible gene may become diabetic if environmental factors modify the expression of these genes. Since there is an increase in the trend at which diabetes prevail, it is evident that environmental factors are playing a more increasing role in the cause of diabetes mellitus. The incidence of type I diabetes ranged from 1.9 to 7.0/100,000/yr in Africa, 0.13 to 10/100,000/yr in Asia, approximately 4.4/100,000/yr in Australasia, 3.4 to 36/100,000/yr in Europe, 2.62 to 20.18/100,000/yr in the Middle East, 7.61 to 25.7/100,000/yr in North America, and 1.27 to 18/100,000/yr in South America. The epidemiology of type II diabetes is equally bleak. The prevalence of type II diabetes ranged from 0.3 to 17.9% in Africa, 1.2 to 14.6% in Asia, 0.7 to 11.6% in Europe, 4.6 to 40% in the Middle East, 6.69 to 28.2% in North America, and 2.01 to 17.4% in South America.

A longitudinal observational study of insulin therapy and glycaemic control in Scottish children with Type 1 diabetes: DIABAUD 3

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND

Our objective was to investigate glycaemic control in children with Type 1 diabetes in Scotland and to analyse the effect of changing 'conventional' insulin regimen strategies on outcome. DIABAUD 2 (1997-1998) (D2) demonstrated that average glycaemic control in young people with Type 1 diabetes in Scotland was poor, with mean HbA(1c) of 9.0%. Over 90% were then treated with a twice-daily insulin regimen. The aim of DIABAUD 3 (2002-2004) (D3) was to determine if control had improved, and to examine changes in insulin regimen and effects on glycaemic control.

METHODS

In DIABAUD 3, data were collected prospectively on children aged < 15 years. in nine out of 15 centres throughout Scotland. HbA(1c) on 986 subjects was measured in a single Diabetes Control and Complications Trial-aligned laboratory. The results were compared with those from DIABAUD 2, for the same nine centres. Multiple regression comparison was performed to adjust for imbalance in relevant confounders (e.g. age, duration, height and weight, insulin dose and centre).

RESULTS

For D3, the age range was 1.1-14.9 years (62% aged 10-14 years), mean (+/- sd) HbA(1c) 9.2% +/- 1.5 (compared with D2, 9.0% +/- 1.5). Only 9.7% achieved the target of HbA(1c) < 7.5%. The number of subjects in D3 on twice-daily injections was 51% (compared with 94% in D2), 43% on three-times-daily injections (2% in D2) and 2.3% on four or more (1.9% in D2): HbA(1c) did not differ in these groups. In both the D2 and D3 cohorts, HbA(1c) rose with age. After adjustment for other variables in the combined datasets, insulin regimen was not a significant predictor of HbA(1c) (F = 0.19, d.f. = 3, 1774; P = 0.90).

CONCLUSION

The glycaemic control in young people in Scotland remains poor and above the national target. Over 4 years, moderate intensification of insulin therapy (i.e. from two to three injections each day, usually reflecting splitting of the evening dose) across the population failed to improve the average HbA(1c) and reduce the increase seen with age. A national programme away from 'conventional' to an 'intensive' regimen of insulin therapy is required.

Estimating diabetes prevalence by small area in England

BACKGROUND

Diabetes risk is linked to both deprivation and ethnicity, and so prevalence will vary considerably between areas. Prevalence differences may partly account for geographic variation in health performance indicators for diabetes, which are based on age standardized hospitalization or operation rates. A positive correlation between prevalence and health outcomes indicates that the latter are not measuring only performance.

METHODS

A regression analysis of prevalence rates according to age, sex and ethnicity from the Health Survey for England (HSE) is undertaken and used (together with census data) to estimate diabetes prevalence for 354 English local authorities and 8000 smaller areas (electoral wards). An adjustment for social factors is based on a prevalence gradient over area-deprivation quintiles. A Bayesian estimation approach is used allowing simple inclusion of evidence on prevalence from other or historical sources.

RESULTS

The estimated prevalent population in England is 1.5 million (188 000 type 1 and 1.341 million type 2). At strategic health authority (StHA) level, prevalence varies from 2.4 (Thames Valley) to 4 per cent (North East London). The prevalence estimates are used to assess variations between local authorities in adverse hospitalization indicators for diabetics and to assess the relationship between diabetes-related mortality and prevalence. In particular, rates of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and coma are positively correlated with prevalence, while diabetic amputation rates are not.

CONCLUSIONS

The methodology developed is applicable to developing small-area-prevalence estimates for a range of chronic diseases, when health surveys assess prevalence by demographic categories. In the application to diabetes prevalence, there is evidence that performance indicators as currently calculated are not corrected for prevalence.

Diabetes and ethnic minorities

The global prevalence of diabetes for all age groups is estimated to be 2.8%. Type 2 diabetes accounts for at least 90% of diabetes worldwide. Diabetes incidence, prevalence, and disease progression varies by ethnic group. This review highlights unique aspects of the risk of developing diabetes, its overwhelming vascular complications, and their management mainly using data among South Asians and African-Caribbeans in the UK but also using non-UK data. It is concluded that although the origin of the ethnic differences in incidence need further clarification, many factors should be amenable to prevention and treatment in all ethnic groups worldwide.

Birthweight and other pregnancy outcomes in a cohort of women with pre-gestational insulin-treated diabetes mellitus, Scotland, 1979-95

AIMS

To assess pregnancy outcomes, in particular birthweight, in a large population-based cohort of women in Scotland with pre-gestational insulin-treated diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

Data about diabetes from the Diabetes UK cohort were linked to data on births from the Scottish Hospital In-Patient Record System. This identified 1112 eligible singleton deliveries during 1979-95 to 706 insulin-treated women.

RESULTS

One thousand and eighty-four (97.5%) deliveries resulted in a live-born infant and 28 (2.5%) in a stillbirth. There were 13 (1.2%) neonatal deaths. The mean birthweight of the live-born infants was 3421 g, 1.06 standard deviations greater than that of infants in the Scottish general population after correcting for sex and gestational age. Forty-three per cent of live-born babies in the study were large (> Scottish 90th percentile) and 4% small (< 10th percentile) for their sex and gestational age. Macrosomia, defined as birthweight > or = 4000 g, occurred in 23% live-born babies and its prevalence was significantly inversely related to duration of maternal diabetes. However, the mean birthweight of infants born to mothers with diabetes for 20 or more years was still 0.90 standard deviations greater than in the general population. Prevalence of macrosomia increased with increasing number of previous pregnancies, but was not associated with maternal height or smoking habits. Stillbirth and neonatal death rates were, respectively, 4.7 (95% confidence interval = 3.3, 6.8) and 2.4 (1.4, 4.1), times higher than those in the general population.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with pre-existing insulin-treated diabetes was much higher than in the Scottish general population, and changed little during the study period. A detailed quantification of the independent effect of duration of mother's diabetes on birthweight revealed a continuous inverse correlation between these two variables.

Bayesian inference on the patient population size given list mismatches

In applying capture-recapture methods for closed populations to epidemiology, one needs to estimate the total number of people with a certain disease in a certain research area by using several lists with information of patients. Problems of lists error often arise due to mistyping or misinformation. Adopting the concept of tag-loss methodology in animal populations, Seber et al. (Biometrics 2000; 56:1227-1232) proposed solutions to a two-list problem. This article reports an interesting simulation study, where Bayesian point estimates based on improper constant and Jeffreys prior for unknown population size N could have smaller frequentist standard errors and MSEs compared to the estimates proposed in Seber et al. (2000). The Bayesian credible intervals based on the same priors also have super frequentist coverage probabilities while some of the frequentist confidence intervals procedures have drastically poor coverage. Seber's real data set on gestational diabetics is analysed with the proposed new methods.

Counseling children with chronic physical illness

We examine the needs of children with chronic physical illness and discuss how their needs may be met by counseling. Initially counseling is defined and boundaries with other activities established. Issues involved in counseling children with chronic illness are outlined and children's special needs regarding psychosocial issues discussed, with examples relating to asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes and epilepsy presented. Finally recommendations are made regarding counseling services.

Continued increase in the incidence of childhood Type 1 diabetes in a population-based Australian sample (1985-2002)

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Our aim was to determine the incidence of Type 1 diabetes in children who were 0 to 14 years of age in Western Australia from 1985 to 2002, and to analyse the trends in incidence rate over the same period.

METHODS

Primary case ascertainment was from a prospective population-based diabetes register that was established in 1987, and secondary case ascertainment was from the Western Australia Hospital Morbidity Data System. Denominator data were obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Poisson regression was used to analyse the incidence rates by calendar year, sex and age at diagnosis.

RESULTS

There was a total of 1144 cases (560 boys, 584 girls). Using the capture-recapture method, case ascertainment was estimated to be 99.8% complete. The mean age standardised incidence from 1985 to 2002 was 16.5 per 100,000 person years (95% CI 14.7-18.2), ranging from 11.3 per 100,000 in 1985 to 23.2 per 100,000 in 2002. The incidence increased on average by 3.1% (95% CI 1.9%-4.2%) a year over the period ( p<0.001). No significant difference was found between boys and girls. A significant increase in incidence was found in all age groups, with no disproportionate increase found in the 0 to 4-year-olds.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

The incidence of childhood-onset Type 1 diabetes in Western Australia has increased significantly over the past 18 years and shows no signs of abating. In contrast to other studies, a higher rate of increase was not found in the youngest children.

The epidemiology of Type 1 diabetes mellitus is not the same in young adults as in children

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

This prospective study examined the epidemiology of Type 1 diabetes in young adults in Europe.

METHODS

We ascertained incident cases of Type 1 diabetes in the 15 to 29 years (both inclusive) age group throughout Europe over a period of 2 years. Diabetes registries in nine countries, in which incidence rates for Type 1 diabetes in the 0 to 14 age group were available, took part. Incidence rates were estimated per 100000 person years and standardised for sex and age. Cumulative incidences per 1000 from birth to age 30 were estimated. Heterogeneity between centres was tested with a Poisson regression model.

RESULTS

A total of 2112 diabetes cases were ascertained in 1996 and 1997, of which 61.4% were considered to be Type 1 diabetes. Completeness of ascertainment varied from 70 to 90%. Standardised incidence varied from 4.8 per 100000 person years to 13.4 per 100000 person years. The male-female ratio was estimated to be one or more, and in the 25 to 29 age group 1.5 or more in all countries. Cumulative incidences for males and females indicate that the former exceeds the latter from age 24. In the two centres with highest childhood incidence, this applied already from 14 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

The incidence of Type 1 diabetes in adults is lower than in children and the range of incidence is also reduced, with a less than threefold variation in adults, against an eightfold variation in children. There is a male excess in incidence, especially in the age group 25 to 29 years.

The epidemiology of autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases are among the leading causes of death among young and middle-aged women in the United States. Incidence rates vary among the autoimmune diseases, with estimates ranging from less than one newly-diagnosed case of systemic sclerosis to more than 20 cases of adult-onset rheumatoid arthritis per 100,000 person-years. Prevalence rates range from less than 5 per 100,000 (e.g. chronic active hepatitis, uveitis) to more than 500 per 100,000 (Grave disease, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroiditis). At least 85% of thyroiditis, systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Sjögren disease patients are female. Although most diseases can occur at any age, some diseases primarily occur in childhood and adolescence (e.g. type 1 diabetes), in the mid-adult years (e.g. myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis), or among older adults (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, primary systemic vasculitis). Ethnic and geographic differences in incidence of specific autoimmune diseases have been documented, but specific groups may be at higher risk for some diseases and lower risk for other diseases. The incidence of type 1 diabetes increased but the rates of rheumatoid arthritis declined over the past 40 years. Thus although there are commonalities, there are also important demographic differences between diseases. Disease-specific research, as well as studies that focus on potentially related diseases, needs to be conducted.

Diabetes services in the UK: third national survey confirms continuing deficiencies

AIMS

To determine the current level of diabetes services and to compare the results with previous national surveys.

METHODS

A questionnaire was mailed to all paediatricians in the UK identified as providing care for children with diabetes aged under 16 years. Information was sought on staffing, personnel, clinic size, facilities, and patterns of care. Responses were compared with results of two previous national surveys.

RESULTS

Replies were received from 244 consultant paediatricians caring for an estimated 17 192 children. A further 2234 children were identified as being cared for by other consultants who did not contribute to the survey. Of 244 consultants, 78% expressed a special interest in diabetes and 91% saw children in a designated diabetic clinic. In 93% of the clinics there was a specialist nurse (44% were not trained to care for children; 47% had nurse:patient ratio >1:100), 65% a paediatric dietitian, and in 25% some form of specialist psychology or counselling available. Glycated haemoglobin was measured routinely at clinics in 88%, retinopathy screening was performed in 87%, and microalbuminuria measured in 66%. Only 34% consultants used a computer database. There were significant differences between the services provided by paediatricians expressing a special interest in diabetes compared with "non-specialists", the latter describing less frequent clinic attendance of dietitians or psychologists, less usage of glycated haemoglobin measurements, and less screening for vascular complications. Non-specialist clinics met significantly fewer of the recommendations of good practice described by Diabetes UK.

CONCLUSIONS

The survey shows improvements in services provided for children with diabetes, but serious deficiencies remain. There is a shortage of diabetes specialist nurses trained to care for children and paediatric dietitians, and a major shortfall in the provision of psychology/counselling services. The services described confirm the need for more consultant paediatricians to receive specialist training and to develop expertise and experience in childhood diabetes.

The incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus in Greek-Cypriot children and adolescents in 1990-2000

OBJECTIVES

To ascertain the exact incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) in Greek-Cypriots under the age of 15 yr, to analyze possible gender differences in the age of onset and to observe any seasonal variation in the manifestation of the disease.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

All cases of newly diagnosed DM1 patients under the age of 15 yr from 1990 to 2000 were collected and relevant information was obtained. The data were statistically processed in relation to the population data provided by the Department of Statistics and Research of the Ministry of Finance.

RESULTS

The mean annual incidence of DM1 in the Greek population of Cyprus under the age of 15 yr for the period 1990-2000 is 11.32/100,000. There is a trend towards increasing incidence during this period. There is a gender influence on the age of onset: more males develop DM1 before the age of 6 yr and after 13 yr. Moreover, there is a gender difference in the group who manifest DM1 in the age range 5-9 yr, with females having a mean age of onset of 8.1 yr, compared with 7.3 yr for males. There is a statistically significant seasonal variation, but not among preschool subjects who manifest DM1 before the age of 4 yr.

CONCLUSIONS

DM1 is a common condition in Greek-Cypriots under the age of 15 yr. The gender difference in the age of onset probably reflects the peripubertal period of each gender. The seasonal variation cannot be solely attributed to weather and temperature changes. This survey covers a 10-yr period and deals with an adequate number of reported cases; therefore, it could contribute to the international effort to determine the exact pathogenesis of DM1.

Incidence and prevalence of childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus in Germany--model-based national estimates

Fitting a Poisson model to national data on the incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) under 5 years (1993-95) and to age-specific incidence data from three different German regions (age groups 0-4, 5-9, 10-14, 15-19 years, 1988-1995), national age-specific incidences of T1DM in childhood were estimated. From these the age-standardized national incidence and prevalence were derived for age groups 0-15 and 0-19 years. In 1993-95 the age-standardized national incidences (95% CIs) in the age groups 0-14 and 0-19 years were 14.2 (12.9-15.5) and 17.0 (15.2-18.8) per 100,000 person-years, respectively. The respective national prevalences were 86.7 (83.4-90.0) and 140.2 (134.3-146.1) per 100,000 persons. These estimates of the national incidence and prevalence of T1DM for the mid-1990s were about twofold higher than estimates from the former Eastern Germany in the late 1980s. This striking high frequency of T1DM in Germany has an important impact on clinical and economic aspects of diabetes care in childhood and adolescence.

Diabetes care in childhood and adolescence

The presentation of diabetes in young people has changed significantly over recent years. Not only has there been a rising incidence of Type 1 diabetes, especially in young children, but also there is an increasing recognition of Type 2 diabetes. Young people are also increasingly being diagnosed with genetic defects of B-cell function and with diabetes in association with cystic fibrosis and other chronic diseases. There have also been significant changes in the pattern of paediatric diabetes care. This is increasingly being provided by a specialized paediatric multidisciplinary team in each health district working to agreed national standards. Despite improvements, diabetes control is still suboptimal with a high incidence of complications being reported in young adults. The challenge over the next few years is the provision of a uniform, equitable and first class paediatric service throughout the UK together with the introduction of new approaches to care, aiming to improve individual diabetic control and reduce long-term complications. Increased collaboration with adult colleagues is needed to enable the transition of care in adolescence to a service that young adults perceive to meet their needs, encourage their attendance and improve their diabetes control and quality of life. A national paediatric diabetes register together with regular audit will encourage these objectives.

Adaptation and negotiation as an approach to care in paediatric diabetes specialist nursing practice: a critical review

Considerable attention has been given to diabetes care in children. However, nursing practice may be guided by biomedical models. Diabetes care in children should focus on family-centred approaches arguably based in the community. Psychosocial constructs have an important role in the development of self-management of chronic illness in children. Paediatric diabetes nurse specialists are pivotal in facilitating family-centred care based on personal models of child and family interventions.

Trends in the incidence of childhood diabetes in south Asians and other children in Bradford, UK

AIMS

To investigate incidence rates and time trends, over 21 years, of Type 1 diabetes in a migrant population of south Asian children in Bradford, UK.

METHODS

Children (0-14 years) living in the city of Bradford and diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes were selected from a population-based region-wide register. Between 1978 and 1998, 289 new-onset cases were registered and classified as south Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi) or not, based on their full name using two different computer algorithms and visual inspection.

RESULTS

Sixty-six children (22.8%) were designated as south Asian with 223 (77.2%) remaining. The overall age-sex standardized incidence for south Asian and non-south Asian children was 13.0 per 100,000 person years (95% confidence interval 9.9-16.2) and 12.9 (11.2-14.6), respectively. Rates were similar for south Asians at all ages, whereas for the mainly Caucasian children incidence differed significantly by age group (P < 0.001). An average annual increase in incidence of 4.3% (P = 0.001) was seen for all children compared with 6.5% in south Asians (P = 0.002) and 2.4% (P = 0.128) in non-south Asians.

CONCLUSIONS

Children in south Asia have a low incidence of Type 1 diabetes but migrants to the UK have similar overall rates to the indigenous population. However, a more steeply rising incidence is seen in the south Asian population, and our data suggest that incidence in this group may eventually outstrip that of the non-south Asians. Genetic factors are unlikely to explain such a rapid change, implying an influence of environmental factors in disease aetiology. The similarity in rates by age group in the south Asian population is notable.

Coincidence of immune-mediated diseases driven by Th1 and Th2 subsets suggests a common aetiology. A population-based study using computerized general practice data

BACKGROUND

The recent rise in the prevalence of immune-mediated diseases has been attributed to environmental factors such as a lack of microbial challenge, or dietary change, that deviate the overall balance between mutually antagonistic subsets of T helper (Th) cells.

OBJECTIVE

An alternative proposal is that recent environmental changes have resulted in an immune system that is more likely to produce both Th1 and Th2 responses against benign antigens. The prediction of this hypothesis, that Th1 and Th2-mediated diseases are not mutually exclusive, and may be positively associated, is tested here in a whole population.

METHODS

Data from General Practices participating in the Scottish Continuous Morbidity Recording (CMR) project were used to determine the coincidence of the major Th2-mediated atopic diseases; asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis, with the Th1-mediated autoimmune conditions; type I diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. We also identified the prescription rates of inhaled therapy for asthma in patients with Th1-mediated disease.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase in the risk of presenting with a Th1-mediated autoimmune condition in patients with a history of allergic disease (standardized prevalence ratio (95% confidence interval) 1.28 (1.18-1.37)). Likewise, the standardized prevalence ratios of presenting with either eczema (1.67 (1.48-1.87)) or allergic rhinitis (1.22 (1.02-1.44)) were significantly increased in subjects with a history of Th1-mediated disease. There was a particularly strong association between current psoriasis and current eczema (standardized prevalence ratio ofpsoriasis in subjects with eczema 2.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.38-3.45). There was also a significant increase in prescriptions for inhaled asthma therapy in patients with Th1 disease.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that Th1- and Th2-mediated diseases are significantly associated in a large General Practice population. This finding supports the proposal that autoimmune and atopic diseases share risk factors that increase the propensity of the immune system to generate both Th1- and Th2-mediated inappropriate responses to non-pathological antigens.

Factors influencing glycemic control in young people with type 1 diabetes in Scotland: a population-based study (DIABAUD2)

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate differences in HbA1c concentrations between centers and to assess the factors associated with glycemic control in young people with type 1 diabetes in Scotland.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data on 1,755 patients (94% of those registered) were collected from 18 centers providing care to children <15 years of age. At every clinic visit, a duplicate HbA1c sample was measured in a reference laboratory, and clinical information was collected prospectively.

RESULTS

Average HbA1c concentration was 9.1% (range 5.0-15.0). The following significant associations with HbA1c level were identified: age, insulin regimen, BMI, season, social circumstances, and family history. HbA1c concentrations were significantly worse in older children (age 10-15 years 9.5% vs. other ages 8.8%, P < 0.001), those using two injections per day (2/day 9.1% vs. 3/day 8.8%, P < 0.01), children without both parents at home (9.4 vs. 9.0%, P < 0.001), a sibling with diabetes (9.7% vs. no family history 9.1%, P < 0.001). HbA1c concentration ranged from 8.1 to 10.2% between centers, after adjustment for factors associated with poor HbA1c (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The overall glycemic control of diabetic young people in Scotland is equivalent to a Diabetes Control and Complications Trial HbA1c concentration of 8.7%, placing the majority at a high risk of the complications of diabetes in adulthood. Although factors were significantly associated with poor HbA1c adjustment for these did not explain the differences between centers. We suggest that factors not analyzed in DIABAUD2 (e.g., deployment of resources, organization of the clinical structure, strategies of care, and clinic philosophy) are the determinants of HbA1c. We speculate that the style of utilization of optimum resources is the key to achieving good glycemic control.

Capture-recapture: a useful methodological tool for counting traffic related injuries?

INTRODUCTION

Although the capture-recapture technique is increasingly employed in studies of human populations to correct for under-ascertainment in traditional epidemiological surveillance, it has rarely been used in injury research.

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the completeness of official data sources on traffic related injuries (TRIs) by using the capture-recapture technique and to calculate an ascertainment corrected number of fatal and serious TRIs among Scottish young people aged 15-24 years. The appropriateness of the approach in this context is also assessed.

METHOD

A two sample capture-recapture technique was applied to two official sources of TRI data. Data on TRIs were obtained from the Scottish Health Service and the STATS19 dataset at the University of Essex Data Archive for 1995. Four standards (A-D) of matching were applied to fatalities and serious TRIs to allow plausible relaxation of matching standards within the context of the data collection setting. The completeness of each data source was assessed, and an ascertainment corrected number of fatalities and serious TRIs calculated.

RESULTS

The ascertainment corrected number of TRI fatalities among 15-24 year olds using standard D was 104. This represents only a small increase in the number of fatalities using capture-recapture than when using each individual dataset. The completeness of the Scottish Health Service database for TRI fatalities was 93%. The STATS19 database was 95% complete. The ascertainment corrected number of TRI hospital admissions was 1969. The STATS19 and the Scottish Health Service databases were approximately two thirds and three quarters complete respectively for non-fatal TRIs requiring hospitalisation.

CONCLUSIONS

Injury researchers have advocated the linkage of major datasets to supplement and improve the quality of injury data. Using capture-recapture we found that routine databases enumerate TRI fatalities accurately, in contrast to injury morbidity databases that do not. Capture-recapture is a potentially useful method of evaluating the completeness of data sources and identifying biases within datasets. However, ascertainment corrected rates should be viewed with caution. A number of requirements of the capture-recapture technique are unachieved in this study of injury in the human population.

Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and type 1 diabetes mellitus

Studies in adults suggest that some patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus have pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI). The primary aim of this study was to explore the association between pancreatic exocrine function and type 1 diabetes in young people under 17 years. The secondary aim was to evaluate the relationship between PEI in patients with diabetes, their clinical symptoms and blood glucose control. The importance of providing a highly trained multidisciplinary support network are also discussed.

Prevalence and aetiology of hypothyroidism in the young

AIMS

To define the prevalence of hypothyroid disease in children and young people, and describe its aetiology.

METHODS

We identified all patients on the Medicines Monitoring Unit (MEMO) database in the Tayside region of Scotland who had received two or more prescriptions for thyroxine during the study period (January 1993 to December 1995). Using this as a surrogate marker of hypothyroidism, we calculated the prevalence of hypothyroidism in those aged less than 22 years. Main outcome measures were prevalence of thyroxine prescription, estimated prevalence of hypothyroidism, and aetiology of the hypothyroidism (determined from case records, and biochemistry and immunology databases).

RESULTS

Of 103,500 residents aged less than 22 years, 140 were identified as receiving thyroxine on prescription, giving a population prevalence of 0.135%. The ratio of male to female was 1:2.8. Acquired hypothyroidism was the commonest aetiology found in 73%, 66% of which had an autoimmune basis. The prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism was 0.027%. Seven had received treatment for malignancy (two primary thyroid). Fifteen per cent of patients had no record of secondary care follow up in Tayside.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall prevalence of hypothyroidism in young people less than 22 years of age is 0.135%, and in the group aged 11-18 years it is 0.113%; these values are at least twice those of previous estimates. This suggests an increase in autoimmune thyroid disease, similar to the rising prevalence of type 1 diabetes, possibly indicating a rising incidence of autoimmunity in young people.

The rising incidence of childhood type 1 diabetes in New South Wales, Australia

OBJECTIVES

1. To determine the incidence of type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes in children aged 0-14 years who were resident in the state of New South Wales, Australia over the period 1992-1996. 2. To analyse the trends in incidence over the period 1990-1996.

METHODS

Primary ascertainment of patients was performed using a prospective incidence register established in 1990. The secondary source of ascertainment was the National Diabetes Supply Scheme, a government subsidised scheme for diabetic supplies.

RESULTS

There were 1,230 patients identified over the five-year period. Using the capture-recapture method, ascertainment was estimated to be 99% complete. The lowest incidence occurred in 1992 (16.9 per 10(5) person years) and the highest incidence was in 1995 (21.7 per 10(5)). The crude incidence of IDDM from 1990-1996 was 17.8 per 10(5) and there was a statistically significant rise in the incidence of type 1 diabetes over this period (p=0.0003). The annual incidence has increased on average by 3.2% per year since 1990.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of childhood type 1 diabetes in NSW has increased significantly since 1990.

Incidence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance in children and adolescents receiving growth-hormone treatment

BACKGROUND

Growth hormone (GH) contributes to insulin resistance, but whether children treated with GH are at increased risk of diabetes has not been established. We undertook a retrospective analysis of data from an international pharmacoepidemiological survey of children treated with GH to find out the incidence of impaired glucose tolerance and types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

Reports to the survey of abnormal glucose metabolism were investigated and classified. The incidence and age-distribution of type 1 diabetes were compared with values from a model of reference data. The incidence of type 2 diabetes was compared with data from two reports of children not treated with GH.

FINDINGS

85 (0.36%) of 23333 children were reported with abnormal glucose metabolism. After investigation, 43 had confirmed glucose disorders (11 with type 1 diabetes, 18 with type 2 diabetes, and 14 with impaired glucose tolerance). The incidence and age at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in children treated with GH did not differ from expected values. The incidence of type 2 diabetes was 34.4 cases per 100000 years of GH treatment which was six-fold higher than reported in children not treated with GH. Type 2 diabetes did not resolve after GH therapy was stopped.

INTERPRETATION

GH treatment did not affect the incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus in any age group. We postulate that the higher than expected incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus with GH treatment may be an acceleration of the disorder in predisposed individuals.

Incidence of childhood-onset Type 1 diabetes mellitus in Devon and Cornwall, England, 1975-1996

AIMS

To determine the incidence of Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) in children aged 0-15 years in the far south-west of England between 1975 and 1996.

METHODS

Patient information was collected to set up the Cornwall and Plymouth Children's Diabetes Register (CPCDR) through two main data sources; hospitals and the general practitioners in all surgeries in the study region. All children under 16 years living within Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and the former Plymouth Health Authorities and diagnosed as having Type 1 DM during the study period were included. The case ascertainment was estimated by a capture-recapture method. Trends and differences in incidence of sex, age, time period and district of diagnosis were analysed by Poisson regression analysis. Roger's method was used to estimate the seasonal variations.

RESULTS

A total of 522 subjects aged between 0 and 15 years were identified from 01/01/1975 to 31/12/1996, giving an overall crude incidence of 14.9/ 100 000 population/year. The case ascertainment was 94.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 91.4- 97.6%) for the whole register. Poisson regression analysis showed that a significant increase of incidence (2.49% per year) was observed throughout the 22-year study period, which was mainly a result of the significant increase in the 0-4 year age-group (6.29% per year). The incidence significantly differed among the 22-years (P = 0.007), the three age groups (0-4, 5-9 and 10-14 years, P<0.001) and different sexes (P=0.049). The significant seasonal variations were detected with peak incidence appearing in autumn and winter.

CONCLUSIONS

The first validated childhood-onset diabetes register has been set up in the far south-west of England. The incidence of childhood Type 1 DM in this region has increased significantly over the past two decades, especially in children under 5 years.

Seasonality of presentation of type I diabetes mellitus in children. Scottish Study Group for the Care of Young Diabetics

Environmental influences are thought to have an aetiological role in onset of diabetes in children. Month of onset in over 2000 children in Scotland was established and there was an excess in colder/darker months than in warmer/lighter months. A meta-analysis of 21 previous studies with over 13,000 patients gave the same result at a much higher level of significance. A mechanism is postulated based on previous viral induced islet cell damage with ongoing progressive auto-immune destruction. There may be physiological seasonal changes with winter stress on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The raised winter levels of pituitary, adrenal and thyroid hormones fail to be antagonised by falling level of insulin. A role for seasonal variation in exercise and nutrition is considered.