Incidence of insulin dependent diabetes in England: a study in the Oxford region, 1985-6. Issue 6673 (4th March 1989)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bingley, P. J.; Gale, E. A.
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 298:Issue 6673(1989)
• Page Start: 558
• Page End: 560
• Publication Date: 1989-03-04
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.298.6673.558
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : OBJECTIVE--To determine the incidence of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus up to the age of 21 in a geographically defined population in England with independent validation of completeness of case ascertainment. DESIGN--Prospective registration of newly diagnosed cases supplemented by centralised hospital discharge records and death certificates. Validation of ascertainment from general practitioners. SETTING--Oxford Regional Health Authority area (population 2.4 million). PATIENTS--All patients with insulin dependent diabetes diagnosed below age 21 during 1985-6 and resident in the region at the time of diagnosis. INTERVENTIONS--None. END POINT--Validation of a method of case ascertainment for assessing temporal variation in incidence of insulin dependent diabetes. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS--The overall yearly incidence of newly diagnosed insulin dependent diabetes mellitus in people under 21 was 15.6 cases/100, 000 (95% confidence interval 13.6 to 17.6). Among males the incidence was 16.8 cases (14.0 to 19.7)/100, 000 and among females 14.3 cases (11.6 to 17.1)/100, 000. The highest incidence, in the 10-14 year age group, was 26.4 (20.9 to 31.8) new cases/100, 000 population yearly. Case ascertainment was greater than 95%. CONCLUSIONS--The incidence of insulin dependent diabetes in England is considerably higher than reported from large scale studies. It is consistent with described patterns of geographical variation. The figures provide a baseline for assessing temporal change.