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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Type 1 diabetes -- the kind generally diagnosed in childhood -- is more prevalent in white children than in those of other races.
That's the key finding from a new population-based study aimed at gauging the incidence of the disease in the United States. But other races were not far behind. Only slightly lower incidence rates were seen for African-American and American Indian children.
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Hispanic and Asian-Pacific Islander children had lower rates.
Age-wise, the rate was highest for kids between 10 and 14, and slightly more girls were affected than boys. The researchers speculate about 15,000 kids are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes every year, which means the incidence of the disease does appear to be on the rise.
What about type 2 diabetes -- the kind historically diagnosed in adults who are overweight or obese, but becoming increasingly prevalent in children with weight problems as well?
The study showed a much lower incidence rate for type 2 diabetes than type 1 diabetes, and a different racial and age profile as well. Overall, the type 2 form was most prevalent in the 15- to 19-year-old group and more likely to affect American Indian, African-American, Asian-Pacific Islander, and Hispanic children.
In an accompanying editorial, Rebecca B. Lipton, Ph.D., M.P.H., B.S.N., from the University of Chicago, applauds the study, noting it provides needed information regarding diabetes in the pediatric population. But she believes more needs to be done to control the condition.
"There is an urgent need to go beyond studies such as this one by implementing a coordinated approach to childhood diabetes surveillance," she writes. "Only then can society respond effectively to the serious and increasing challenge of diabetes in youth."
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, which offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, click on: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
SOURCE: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 2007;297:2716-2724, 2760-2761
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