INCIDENCE OF TYPE-I DIABETES IN THE DISTRICT OF CATANIA, SICILY

The incidence of type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes was determined in the district of Catania (eastern Sicily) in children under 15 years o f age over a 3-year period (1 January 1989 to 31 December 1991). Two i ndependent sources of information were used. The primary source was co ntact with all medical services in the province, and the secondary sou rce was the personal identification cards issued to all diabetic patie nts by the National Health System necessary for obtaining free medical care. The information obtained was 99.6% complete. The overall incide nce was 10.2/10(5) per year. This study provides the first standardize d data on the incidence of type I diabetes in Sicily and is consistent with the possibility of regional deviations from the proposed north t o south gradient.