The incidence rate and prevalence of pediatric type 1 diabetes mellitus (age 0-18) in the Italian region Friuli Venezia Giulia: population-based estimates through the analysis of health administrative databases

Abstract

Aims: The main objective of this study was to estimate the incidence rate and prevalence of pediatric type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM; population 0-18 years of age) in the northeastern Italian region Friuli Venezia Giulia and to characterize the subjects affected by the disease.

Methods: This was a retrospective population-based study conducted through the individual-level linkage of several health administrative databases of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. The incidence rate and prevalence were calculated in the population 0-18 years of age. Using the Mid-p exact method, 95 % confidence intervals for rates were calculated.

Results: The incidence rate of pediatric T1DM in the years 2010-2013 was 15.8 new cases/100,000 person-years, peaking in the age class 10-14 years. The rate has increased substantially as compared with the previous regional estimate that dated back to 1993. We observed a seasonal pattern both in the date of birth of the incident cases and in the date of onset of the disease. In the region in 2013, there were 294 prevalent cases (15.1/10,000 inhabitants). Most of them had at least one glycated hemoglobin test in the year. More than 15 % had co-existing autoimmune comorbidities.

Conclusions: The incidence rate of pediatric T1DM in Friuli Venezia Giulia has increased in the last years, and the disease is a relevant public health issue in the region.

Keywords: Incidence rate; Italy; Pediatric; Prevalence; Type 1 diabetes mellitus.