The increase in diabetes in children from underdeveloped countries.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in children and adolescents has been increased over decades worldwide. Recent studies showed that the trend of T1D incidences were different between developed and underdeveloped countries. This review aimed to summarize the changes of childhood T1D incidences in underdeveloped countries over the past decade.

Recent findings: Majority of the underdeveloped countries lacked of nationwide population-based studies on childhood T1D. We reviewed the trend of childhood T1D in important underdeveloped countries with available data in recent years. The incidences of childhood T1D in underdeveloped countries were low decades ago, but it increased significantly recently, particularly in the sub-Saharan African, Middle East and North African regions.

Summary: The incidences of childhood T1D increased significantly in underdeveloped countries, especially in the sub-Saharan African, Middle East and North African regions. T1D registry and population-based studies are helpful to understand the situation and characteristic of childhood T1D in underdeveloped countries.