Incidence of type 1 diabetes in children (0-14 years) in Benghazi Libya (1991-2000)

Background: Incidence of Type 1 diabetes in 0-14 year olds in Benghazi (Libya) during the period 1981-1990 was 7.0/105. The aim of this study is to report the incidence of Type 1 diabetes in 0-14year olds in Benghazi Libya during the period 1991-2000. Methods: Incidence data are based on prospective registration of Type 1 diabetes new cases for the period 1991-2000 in Type 1 register. Results: A total of 276 (males 117, females 159) Type 1 diabetes new cases 0-14 years of age were identified during the period 1.01.1991-31.12.2000. Completeness of ascertainment was 100%. The average annual incidence per year was 7.8/100,000 population (95% CI 6.91-8.78). The standardized incidence rate (World standard) was 8.3/100,000 (95% CI 7.369.35). There was excess risk for females (9.1 95% CI 7.77-10.65) versus males (6.6 95% CI 5.45-7.89) (p < 0.001). No significant temporal trend was observed, yet there was an increase in incidence rate over that reported for the period 1981-1990 (7.8 vs 7.0). Seasonal variation in incidence was significant. Conclusion: It was concluded that the incidence of Type 1 diabetes in Benghazi is in the middle of the worldwide range close to the incidence in Mediterranean countries.