INCIDENCE OF TYPE-I DIABETES-MELLITUS IN NAVARRE, SPAIN (1975-91)

The aim of this study was to ascertain the incidence of Type I diabete s mellitus in Navarre, an autonomous community in northern Spain, Subj ects were patients who presented with diabetes between 1975 and 1991, age range 0-16 years, resident in Navarre at the onset of symptoms. En docrinologists in outpatient centres and hospitals (both public and pr ivate) in Navarre were the primary source of data, while secondary sou rces were: independent general practitioners, health centre paediatric ians and the Child-Youth Diabetics Parents' Association of Navarre. Th e degree of ascertainment was 97.8%. Average annual incidence of diabe tes detected was 9.54/100 000 (95% CI 8.2-11.1) in the 0-14 year-old g roup. The least incidence was observed in 1976 and highest in 1990, Th e incidence in males (9.71/100 000) was higher than in females (7.83/1 00 000). The highest incidence was observed in the 10-14 year-old grou p (13.70/100 000) when analysed by groups. No seasonal variation in th e onset of diabetes was observed. These results suggest a significant increase in the incidence of type 1 diabetes between 1975 and 1991.