DELAYED-ONSET OF DIABETES IN CHILDREN OF LOW ECONOMIC STRATUM - A STUDY FROM SOUTHERN INDIA

Influence of the socioeconomic status on the age at onset of insulin-d ependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) was analysed in 614 patients who dev eloped diabetes less than or equal to 20 years. The peak occurrence wa s seen at 11 years in girls (n = 293). The boys (n = 321) showed multi ple peaks between 11 and 18 years. In the urban patients (n = 463), th e peak was at 11 years in contrast to a delayed peak at 18 years in th e rural group (n = 151). When analysed with respect to the family inco me, the higher income group (HIG) (Rs. > 2000/month) showed a sharp pe ak at 11 years whereas the lower income group (LIG) showed a peak at 1 8 years (X(2) = 7.2, P = 0.007). The median body weight of the LIG was lower compared to the HIG. Although the exact cause for the delayed a ge at onset of IDDM in the rural or LIG is not known, it is likely to be a consequence of the lower socioeconomic and nutritional status (in dicated by low body weight) and probably indicates the influence of en vironmental factors in the pathogenesis of the disease.