RESUMO
The objective of this study was to provide reliable data on the incidence of type 1 diabetes, in children aged 0-14 years, in the Veneto region, and to better understand its geographical variability throughout Italy and Europe. All new cases of type 1 diabetes diagnosed between 1st January 1993 and 31st December 1994 among residents in Veneto were recorded. Clinical records from 33 hospitals in the region were used as the primary source for this study. The number of disease-related free-of-charge prescriptions served as a secondary source. The completeness of ascertainment was estimated at 89%. The mean incidence estimated over the 1993-1994 period was 10.7 per 100,000/year. The Veneto region appears to have a relatively high incidence of IDDM among non-insular Italian regions. No significant sex-related difference in incidence was noted; the male/female ratio was 1.5.
