How common is type 1 diabetes?

Are you curious about type 1 diabetes? Do you wonder just how common it really is? Well, my little sugar-loving friend, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride through the world of insulin-dependent life. You might be surprised by what we find out.

Introduction

Before we dive into the deep end of data points, let’s define our terms. Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), occurs when your immune system attacks and destroys your pancreas’ ability to make insulin. This hormone helps regulate glucose levels in your blood so that your cells can use it for energy. Without it, your body starts to break down stored fats instead – a dangerous and potentially deadly process.

The Numbers Game

Okay, here are some numbers for you: according to recent estimates from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 1, around 463 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with diabetes! That’s more than twice the population of Russia – yikes!

Now before you start panicking and imaging a world where everyone has an issue with their sweet tooth,it’s essential to note that not all of these individuals have type 1 diabetes; in fact, only around five percent do. So if we’re getting super specific here,

the IDF notes that approximately 23 million cases of Type I Diabetes currently exist on this planet of ours.

So there’s still quite a bit fewer people than those who tune in every week to watch America’s Got Talent [not sure why no one would tune into this show weekly, ignore me].

But let’s drill down some more…

Regional Differences

Is Type I .diabetes uniformly distributed across all regions globally?. Not at all! Some parts of the earth experience higher incident rates while others reflect lower numbers such as low single digits.

High-Risk Groups

Given the various factors at play, some groups in specific populations are more likely to have Type 1 diabetes than others. Studies indicate that individuals of Finnish ethnic background having up to 400 per hundred thousand people affected ^[2]. And those with Afrikaner heritage residing in South Africa reflect a particular incidence rate between a rate of 21 and 42 percent based on different studies!3 Can you imagine? Regardless of where you’re from though there is always a ray of hope at the end.

Diagnosis Across Gender Lines

At last, something completely different! Did you know that gender can also sway your chances here?
Data shows male children being diagnosed with Type I Diabetes more frequently — roughly about 4% for males as opposed to around 3 % for females, which numerically isn’t really significant. This does not apply, however, when considering adult diagnoses or newly-diagnosed victims in their adolescence though! These situations had an almost ‘even-steven’ distribution across genders.
Nevertheless, we should consider this evidence irrelevant given our goal; figuring out how common Type 1 Diabetes is irrespective of age or gender.

Geographic Variations

If living near snowmen scares you…Then brace yourself because cold weather conditions could be linked to diabetes too? Isn’t mother nature just full of surprises?Statistics suggest the number of new diagnoses significantly peaks during colder months between November and January with Southern Sweden featuring higher incident rates compared to Northern Sweden 4.

So there’s still quite a bit fewer people than those who tune in every week-to watch America’s Got Talent [not sure why no one would turn into this show weekly, ignore me].

Who Gets It?

Now let’s move on from percentages & talk about demographics – namely, who gets type 1 diabetes!

We already mentioned earlier that genetic makeup plays a part in this game, and the prevalence is known to vary depending on ancestry. Plus, studies show that if you have a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes, your risk of developing it rises as well [Not such great odds]. And let’s not forget environmental factors I mean c’mon we gotta give pollution a role too right? Pollution can also up one’s chances of incidents according to research 5.

Interestingly (or maybe morbidly), Type 1 Diabetes tends to diagnose itself most frequently amongst children below 14 years old.[^6] It sounds sad but hear me out; these individuals receive diagnoses at an active developmental age where they could lead more comfortable lives once they learn how best to cope with the illness.

Conclusion

Phew! That was quite the journey we went through exploring who gets Type I diabetes & its present incidence rates globally. While it may seem like just another petty statistic lost in the grand scheme of things – for those affected by this disease and those constantly worrying about their loved ones being vulnerable- every estimate counts.Clear some space on your picnic mats for glucose tablets next time you’re outside since you never know. Don’t worry though, If sadly enough a diagnosis ever does come around — remember science advances each day bringing us closer towards understanding various forms of treatment available.

References

[End]


  1. IDF Atlas(2019).Summary. 

  2. Santaguida MG et al(2008) High incidence pf IDDM Among Italian-Ethnic Children Living in Thunder Bay Canada .Diabetologia. 

  3. Huizenga RMA et.al.(1984)Type I Diabetes Mellitus: A Study Of The Clinical And Genetic Characteristics In Afrikaner Diabetics In South Africa.Diabetic Medicine. 

  4. Lindstrom E Torn C,Moller L,Gudbjornsdottir S,Dahlquist G (2014) Seasonal Variation Of Month of Diagnosis Influences Risk Assessment In Islet-Autoantibody Positive Children. Diabetologia 

  5. Health Effects Institute provides a summary of research on the role pollution plays in Type I Diabetes incidence [^HEI2010] 

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