Establishment of a registry and incidence of IDDM in Avellaneda, Argentina

Abstract

Objective: To provide reliable data on the incidence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in children (< 15 years of age) in Avellaneda, Argentina.

Research design and methods: A registry was established in Avellaneda, Argentina. The first registry was started in 1989, retrospective data collection was updated from 1985 to 1988, and prospective data was collected from 1989 to the present. The data were collected according to the World Health Organization Diabetes Mondiale (DIAMOND) protocol. Primary ascertainment was based on personal interviews at schools, and secondary sources were pediatric hospitals and private diabetologists.

Results: The IDDM incidence per 10,000 children in the studied population was as follows: for 1985, 6.89; for 1986, 6.90; for 1987, 6.91; for 1988, 5.29; for 1989, 6.42; and for 1990, 7.59. Of those children, 51.7% reported previous infection or stress as a possible trigger factor. No sex preference, age incidence peak, or seasonal trend was found.

Conclusions: The study documents an incidence rate of childhood IDDM in Avellaneda, Argentina, similar to other Occidental countries.