INCIDENCE OF INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES-MELLITUS IN THE IX-REGION OF CHILE - ETHNIC-DIFFERENCES

We studied the incidence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) among children up to 15 years old of Caucasian and Mapuche origin, in the IX Region of Chile between 1980 and 1993. The Mapuche, or native Chileans, have their own culture, language and distinctive ethnic char acteristics. Data were collected according to the methods recommended by the Diabetes Epidemiology Research International Group. We diagnose d IDDM in 47 children, 22 boys and 25 girls. The average annual incide nce was 1.27/100 000 inhabitants (95%, confidence intervals (C.I.) 0.8 3-1.71/100 000). The highest incidence along this period was during wi nter and spring. There was significant difference (P < 0.0016) in the IDDM incidence in Caucasians (1.58/100 000, 95% C.I. 1.11-2.04) compar ed with Mapuche (0.42/100 000, 95% C.I. 0-0.95). These results show th at Mapuche children have less chance of developing diabetes.