Diabetes Care, Vol 18, Issue 7 1017-1019, Copyright © 1995 by American Diabetes Association
IDDM in the province of Pavia, Italy, from a population-based registry.A descriptive study
MT Tenconi, G Devoti, I Albani, R Lorini, M Martinetti, P Fratino, E Ferrari, E Ferrero and F Severi
Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Pavia, Italy.
OBJECTIVE--To report the incidence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
(IDDM) in the Province of Pavia, Italy, in the 0- to 29-year-old age-group
between 1988 and 1992. Urban versus rural residence, socioeconomic level,
and family size of IDDM cases were also investigated. RESEARCH DESIGN AND
METHODS--A prospective register was established in 1988 to collect all
newly diagnosed IDDM patients with onset before 30 years of age. The
primary data source was based on notification of new cases by hospitals,
out-patient clinics, family doctors, and pediatricians. The secondary and
independent data source consisted of the registries of prescriptions for
insulin syringes in the health districts of the province. RESULTS--In 5
years (1988-1992), 66 cases of IDDM in the 0- to 29-year-old age-group were
identified. The completeness of ascertainment was 100% for the combined
sources. Age-adjusted (world-standardized) incidence rates per 100,000 (95%
confidence interval) were 9.52 (6.42-13.61), 6.72 (4.68-9.34), and 8.27
(6.42-10.58), respectively, for the age-groups 0-14, 15-29, and 0-29. The
rates were higher for residents in urban areas. The number of children in
the families of IDDM patients was significantly higher than in the
reference population. CONCLUSIONS--Our data indicate the concordance of
IDDM incidence rates with the North-Italian rates and a possible
association of the disease with environmental factors. These factors might
enhance the susceptibility to IDDM in genetically predisposed individuals.