Epidemiology of type 1 diabetes: high incidence of childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus in the Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland, Canada

• Main Author: Newhook, Leigh A.
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 2004
• Subjects: Canada; Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/11133/; https://research.library.mun.ca/11133/1/Newhook_LeighAnne.pdf

Objective: To determine the incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus among children aged 0 -14 years in the Avalon Peninsula in the Canadian Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. -- Research Design: Prospective cohort study. -- Participants/Setting: Children aged 0-14 years who were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus from 1987 to 2002, on the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland. -- Methods: The primary objective was to determine the incidence of childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Identified cases during this time period were ascertained from several sources and verified using the capture-recapture technique. Data were obtained from the only pediatric diabetes treatment center for children living on the Avalon Peninsula. -- Results: Over the study period 294 children aged 0-14 years from the Avalon Peninsula were diagnosed with T1DM. The incidence of T1DM in this population over the period 1987 - 2002 inclusive was 35.93 per 100,000 per year. The incidence over this period increased linearly at the rate of 1.25 per 100,000 per year. -- Conclusion: The Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland has one of the highest incidences of T1DM reported worldwide. The incidence is increasing over the 16-year study period.