Epidemiologic characteristics of type 1 diabetes in children aged 14 years or under in Korea, 1985-2000

Shin, Choong Ho

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) develops in genetically susceptible individuals as a result of progressive autoimmune destruction of beta cells. There is larger global variation in incidence among children aged 0-14 years. The incidence of T1DM in Korea is very low. The latest survey in Korea was conducted in 2001 by Korean Society of Pediatrics to analyse the childhood (0-14 years) national-wide incidence during 1995-2000. The average childhood incidence (/100,000 and year) was 1.36 (95% CI: 1.23-1.48), higher than 1.06 of Korea in 1994. This survey reported that higher mean annual incidence was observed in female (girls, 1.67 vs boy 1.07), older age group (10-14 years, 1.98; 5-9 years, 1.43; 0-4 years, 0.73), Kangwon- do (2.09) and Seoul (1.99), and more new patients developed in spring (spring, 27.1%; winter, 26.6%; summer, 24.8%; autumn, 21.5%). The increase of childhood T1DM incidence has occurred in every region (4.0% in Asia, 3.2% in Europe during 1990-1999). Also, steady increase in incidence was observed during 1985-2000 in Korea. This trends may be maintained or accelerated by environmental factors, known as triggers, modifiers and promoters of the T1DM occurrence. The rising incidence of T1DM suggests the need for continuous monitoring of incidence by using standardized methods in order to plan or assess prevention strategies.