The incidence and prevalence of type-1 diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT

AIM: To determine the incidence, prevalence of type-1 diabetes mellitus (DM) and the presence of islet-cell antibodies (ICAs) in people of African ancestry in the Bahamas. METHOD: Hospital records of type-1 DM were reviewed. Seventeen consecutive patients had postmeal C-peptide and ICA determined. RESULTS: The incidence and prevalence of type-1 DM in the Bahamas were incidence- 10.1/100 000, age 0-14 years; and prevalence- 31/100 000, age 0-24 years. Only two out of 17 (11.8 per cent) patients had ICAs. CONCLUSION: Type -1 DM is common in children of African ancestry in the Bahamas. ICAs were absent in the majority of patients.