Epidemiology of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes in Gran Canaria (2006–2018)

Abstract

AimsTo study the incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in children <14 years in the island of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain) during the 2006–2018 period and to evaluate its temporal trend, seasonality, age and sex distribution. Subjects and methodsWe studied children <14 years of age living in Gran Canaria. We calculated the annual and overall incidence using recorded data from the Pediatric Endocrinology Department as the primary source and the local Diabetes Association and the hospital's pharmacy as secondary sources. The primary source is the only paediatric endocrine unit in the island. Results453 new T1D cases were observed during the 13-year period. The overall incidence of T1D between 2006 and 2018 was 30.48/100,000 (95% CI: 27.74–33.42). Distribution among age groups was 24.8%, 38.2% and 36.9% for children between 0–4, 5–9 and 10–13.9 years old respectively. No significant temporal trend, seasonality or sex differences were found. ConclusionsOur study shows that the Island of Gran Canaria has one of the highest childhood incidences of T1D reported worldwide: among the highest rates in Europe, and higher than the rates published for the neighbouring African countries.