Spatial and temporal variation in type 1 diabetes incidence in Western Australia from 1991 to 2010: increased risk at higher latitudes and over time

Health Place. 2014 Jul:28:194-204. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2014.05.004. Epub 2014 Jun 10.

Abstract

This study analysed spatial and temporal variation in childhood incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) among Western Australia׳s 36 Health Districts from 1991 to 2010. There was a strong latitudinal gradient of 3.5% (95% CI, 0.2-7.2) increased risk of T1DM per degree south of the Equator, as averaged across the range 15-35° south. This pattern is consistent with the hypothesis of vitamin D deficiency at higher latitudes. In addition there was a 2.4% (95% CI, 1.3-3.6) average increase in T1DM incidence per year. These effects could not be explained by population density, socioeconomic status, remoteness or ethnicity.

Keywords: Latitude; Population density; Remoteness; Socioeconomic status; type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Distribution
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / drug therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Geography
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Insulin / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
  • Population Density
  • Registries
  • Risk Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Spatio-Temporal Analysis
  • Western Australia / epidemiology

Substances

  • Insulin