Incidence of insulin dependent diabetes in England: a study in the Oxford region, 1985-6.
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.


METHODS
Prospective registration of newly diagnosed cases supplemented by centralised hospital discharge records and death certificates. Validation of ascertainment from general practitioners.


METHODS
Oxford Regional Health Authority area (population 2.4 million).


METHODS
All patients with insulin dependent diabetes diagnosed below age 21 during 1985-6 and resident in the region at the time of diagnosis.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Validation of a method of case ascertainment for assessing temporal variation in incidence of insulin dependent diabetes.


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.
Bingley
P J
PJ
Department of Diabetes and Immunogenetics, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London.
Gale
E A
EA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D004739:England; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012621:Seasons; D012737:Sex Factors