Aims: To overview total, age-and sex-specific incidence rates of type 1 diabetes mellitus and their trends in Czech children 0-14 years of age in the period of 1990-1997.
Methods: Type 1 DM cases were ascertained by two independent sources, data of general population were obtained from the annual demographic reports of the State Statistic Bureau. Incidence rates were computed using both ascertainment sources combined.
Results: In the study period 1.1.1990-31.12.1997, the total incidence was 10.1 (95% CI 9.6-10.6) per 100,000/year in both sexes, 10.0 (95% CI 9.4-10.7) in boys, and 10.2 (95% CI 9.5-11.0) in girls. The total age-standardized incidence was 9.9 (95% CI 9.4-10.4). The total incidence had a significant increasing trend over the study period (P= 10(-4), annual increment 4.3%). A significant increasing trend was also found in the groups of children 0-4 (P = 0.033, increment 6.9%) and 5-9 years at diagnosis (P = 0.038, increment 4.8%). Statistically significant male predominance was observed in the group diagnosed at age 0-4 years (boys/girls ratio of incidence 1.33, P = 0.035).
Conclusions: We report the first population-based epidemiological data on incidence of childhood Type 1 DM in the Czech Republic. The incidence has increased significantly during the last 8 years. The present incidence is at an intermediate level compared to other European countries.