Type 1 diabetes statistics
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Global Statistics on Type 1 Diabetes
Prevalence and Incidence of Type 1 Diabetes
Global Prevalence and Incidence Rates
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic condition characterized by the immune-mediated destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to lifelong dependence on exogenous insulin. The global prevalence and incidence of T1D have been systematically reviewed, revealing significant increases over recent decades. The worldwide incidence of T1D is approximately 15 per 100,000 people, with a prevalence rate of 9.5%. This increase is observed across various regions, with notable differences in incidence rates among different countries and age groups.
Regional Variations in Incidence
The incidence of T1D varies significantly by region. For instance, Finland and high-income North America report the highest incidence rates, with 56.81 and 28.77 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. In contrast, countries like China and Venezuela have much lower incidence rates, as low as 0.1 per 100,000 per year. This variation highlights the influence of genetic, environmental, and possibly lifestyle factors on the development of T1D.
Age and Gender Differences
The incidence of T1D also varies by age and gender. Children and adolescents under 20 years of age have a substantial incidence rate of 14.07 per 100,000 person-years, with slight differences between boys (13.37) and girls (13.87). The highest incidence rates are observed in children aged 10-14 years. Additionally, the incidence rate during the COVID-19 pandemic period (2020-2022) was higher at 24.84 per 100,000 person-years compared to the pre-pandemic period.
Trends Over Time
Increasing Incidence Rates
Several studies have documented a consistent increase in the incidence of T1D over the past few decades. From 1960 to 1996, the incidence increased by approximately 3.0% per year globally. This trend is observed in both high and low-incidence populations, suggesting a widespread rise in T1D cases. By 2010, the incidence in Finland was projected to reach 50 per 100,000 per year, with many other populations exceeding 30 per 100,000 per year.
Shifts in Age of Onset
There has also been a shift towards a younger age of onset for T1D. In Sweden, for example, the cumulative incidence by birth cohort showed a trend towards younger ages at onset until the year 2000, after which a reversed trend was observed. This shift may be influenced by changes in lifestyle and early growth patterns.
Global Estimates and Demographics
Children and Adolescents
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that nearly 500,000 children under 15 years of age have T1D worldwide, with the largest numbers in Europe (129,000) and North America (108,700). Annually, approximately 78,000 youth are diagnosed with T1D globally, with significant variations in incidence rates among different ethnic and racial groups.
Adults with Type 1 Diabetes
While T1D is often diagnosed in childhood, a significant number of adults also live with the condition. In 2017, the global number of incident cases of T1D was estimated to be 234,710, with a prevalence of 9,004,610 cases across all age groups. High-income countries, which constitute 17% of the global population, accounted for nearly half of the global incident and prevalent cases.
Conclusion
The incidence and prevalence of type 1 diabetes are increasing globally, with significant regional, age, and gender variations. This rise underscores the need for enhanced healthcare strategies, better access to insulin, and ongoing research to understand the underlying causes and develop effective prevention and management approaches. The global burden of T1D necessitates coordinated efforts to improve outcomes and quality of life for individuals affected by this chronic condition.
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