INCIDENCE OF CHILDHOOD INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES-MELLITUS IN COIMBRA, PORTUGAL

In order to investigate the epidemiology of insulin-dependent diabetes in the age group 0-14 years, a prospective population based registry was established in Coimbra in 1990 (WHO DIAMOND project). Prior to the institution of that registry we undertook a retrospective study for t he period 1987-89. Included were cases diagnosed between 1987-94, with age at onset less than 15 years and residence in the district of Coim bra at diagnosis. As the primary source of cases we used hospital admi ssions. Two other independent sources were used for validation of case ascertainment by the primary source (general practitioners of the Pub lic Health System and endocrinologists who have a private practice in the region). The degree of ascertainment by the primary source was 100 %, The incidence rate over the entire time period was 8.5 per 100,000 per year (95% C.I.: 6.5-11.2 per 100,000 per year), The age-adjusted ( world standard) incidence rate was 7.6 per 100,000 per year. The age g roup 10-14 years showed the highest incidence rate (11.1 per 100,000 p er year), There was no significant sex difference, The incidence of ID DM in the district of Coimbra is in the middle range of the incidence observed throughout the world and is comparable to those found in seve ral Southern European countries.