Incidence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in Jordanian children aged 0-14 y during 1992-1996

An attempt was made by the Jordanian National Center for Diabetes, Endocrin e and Genetic Diseases (NCDEGD) to identify all cases of type 1 diabetes am ong Jordanian children aged 0-14 y. Data were obtained retrospectively for the years 1992-1994 and prospectively for the years 1995 and 1996, includin g full name, national identifying number, date of birth, date of diagnosis and family history. The incidence was calculated as the number of cases per 100 000 population, according to the national census of 1994. The incidenc e rate for these years (1992 through 1996) was 2.8, 2.9, 3.2, 3.6 and 3.6 p er 100 000 population, respectively. The male:female ratio was (1:1.03). Se asonal variation at clinical onset was noticed, with maximum incidence in t he winter months and minimum incidence in the summer months. In conclusion, the incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus in Jordanian children aged 0-14 y is among the lowest in the region, but is rising.