Rising Incidence of IDDM in Europe
- Penelope J Bingley, MRCP and
- Edwin A M Gale, FRCP
- Department of Diabetes and Immunogenetics, St. Bartholomew's Hospital London, England, United Kindgom
- Address correspondence and reprint requests to E. A. M. Gale, MD, Department of Diabetes and Immunogenetics, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London EC1A 7BE, UK.
Abstract
A rising incidence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) has been reported in many northern European countries, with a rate equivalent to a doubling time of 20–30 yr in some. North American and Japanese studies report a similar trend, although they are less uniform in their findings. Although the number of genetically susceptible individuals within these populations has increased, the rapidity of the change suggests that environmental factors are responsible. If these could be identified, primary prevention might become possible.
- Copyright © 1989 by the American Diabetes Association
