Epidemiology of childhood type I diabetes in Crete, 1990-2001.

Aim: To study the epidemiological patterns of childhood-onset type I diabetes in Crete, Greece.

Methods: The incidence (new cases per 100,000 per year) from 1990 to 2001 was determined in the population of Crete < or = 14 y of age.

Results: A total of 89 cases was ascertained. The standardized annual incidence rate was 6.1 per 100,000 population [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 4.9-7.5]. Incidence rates were higher in children 10-14 y of age, boys and residents of urban areas (6.8, 6.7 and 6.6 per 100,000, respectively). Incidence rates were higher [relative risk (RR) 1.46, 95% CI 0.956-2.24] during the 6 y period 1996-2001 (7.2, 95% CI 5.4-9.4) than during the 6 y period 1990-1995 (4.9, 95% CI 3.4-6.9). This increase was more prominent in residents of urban areas and 10-14-y-old children.

Conclusions: Although an increase was noted during the period 1990-2001, the childhood type I diabetes incidence rates in Crete remain among the lowest both in Europe and in the Mediterranean islands.