Fox DA, et al. – This research highlighted the trends in the incidence and prevalence of type 1 diabetes in Canadian children and youth. The annual percent change in the incidence, as well as age–specific incidence trends obtained in this study, was similar to data from the United States but different from European data. The prevalence was persistently on the rise, in keeping with the low mortality rates associated with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

• With linked administrative datasets and a validated diabetes case–finding definition, cases were gathered.
• With the aid of JoinPoint regression analysis program, incidence and prevalence trends were evaluated.

Results

• A small increase in the incidence of type 1 diabetes was observed over the 11–year period from 2002–2003 to 2012–2013.
• Total incident cases per year ranged from 201 (2005–2006) to 250 (2007–2008).
• Total prevalent cases per year ranged from 1790 (2002–2003) to 2264 (2012–2013).
• Findings revealed that the incidence was highest among children aged 5 to 14 years, and lowest in the youngest (1–4 years) and oldest (15–19 years) age brackets.
• The most significant increase in incidence was in children aged 10 to 14 years.
• Throughout the study period, age–standardized prevalence increased significantly.