[Type 1 diabetes mellitus incidence in Santiago, Chile. Analysis by counties in the period 2000-2004].
BACKGROUND
There are great geographical differences in the incidence of type I diabetes mellitus.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the incidence rate of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) in the Metropolitan Region of Santiago, Chile from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2004 and to observe the distribution of cases in the different counties of Santiago.


METHODS
All the cases diagnosed with DM1 in the Metropolitan Region who fulfilled the following requirements were included in the study: age of onset <15 years, insulin treatment from onset, permanent residency in the area, and a diagnosis made between January, 2000 and December, 2004.


RESULTS
The incidence of DM1 was 6.58/100,000 inhabitants/year, and showed a significant increase from 2001 to 2004 (5.44 and 8.33 inhabitants/year, respectively, p <0.04). The incidence of DM1 also increased significantly in children younger than 4 years old. The incidence by counties exhibited large differences, ranging from 1.5 to 26.6/100,000 inhabitants. Counties with higher income, urbanization and low aborigine component showed a high incidence rate of type 1 diabetes.


CONCLUSIONS
In the Metropolitan Region of Santiago, an increase of the incidence of DM1 has occurred in the period 2000-2004, especially in children younger than 4 years old. Large differences among counties were observed.
Carrasco
Elena
E
Unidad de Diabetes, Hospital San Juan de Dios, Departamento de Medicina Occidente, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile. ecarrasc@med.uchile.cl
Angel
Bárbara
B
Codner
Ethel
E
García
Diego
D
Ugarte
Francisca
F
Bruzzone
M Eugenia
ME
Pérez
Francisco
F
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002677:Chile / Q000453:epidemiology; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012423:Rural Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013997:Time Factors; D014504:Urban Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*