RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To provide reliable data concerning the incidence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in children from the Marche Region in Italy and contribute to a better understanding of its geographical variability throughout Italy and Europe. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: All newly diagnosed cases of IDDM in children 0-14 years of age in the Marche Region between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 1992 were recorded. The primary source of ascertainment was clinical records from the 59 hospitals of the region. Secondary and tertiary independent sources included local and national associations for diabetic children and local district centers of the National Health System. RESULTS: Over the 3-year study period, the overall IDDM incidence rate was 8.1 per 100,000/year. No significant sex-related difference in incidence was noted, with a male:female ratio of 0.9. The completeness of ascertainment was estimated at 100%. CONCLUSIONS: The Marche Region appears to have a slightly elevated incidence of IDDM among noninsular Italian regions.