The incidence of type 1 diabetes is still increasing in the Netherlands, but has stabilised in children under five (Young DUDEs-1)

Abstract

Aim: This study described the incidence and prevalence of type 1 diabetes in children in the Netherlands in 2010-2011 and to compare these results with earlier studies.

Methods: This was a retrospective nationwide cohort study of Dutch children aged 14 years or younger. Patients were identified using health insurance reimbursement registries for hospital care and invoices for insulin. In the Netherlands, all children with diabetes are treated by hospital-based paediatricians and health care for all Dutch citizens is covered by law.

Results: The incidence of type 1 diabetes almost doubled between 1978-1980 and 2010-2011, from 11.1 to 21.4 per 100 000. In the youngest age group, who were under 5 years, the incidence rate doubled between 1996 and 1999 and remained stable after that. There were no relevant incidence differences between the sexes. The overall prevalence of type 1 diabetes in the Netherlands during 2009-2011 was 143.6 (95% confidence interval 141.1-146.2) per 100 000 children and was similar for boys and girls.

Conclusion: The incidence of type 1 diabetes in children in the Netherlands almost doubled between 1978-1980 and 2010-2011, but the incidence in children under 5 years appeared to stabilise between 1996 and 1999. There were no statistical differences between the sexes.

Keywords: Children; Diabetes mellitus; Incidence; Prevalence; Type 1 diabetes.