Type 1 diabetes cases in children 'to double'

JDRF Chief Executive, Karen Addington, has spoken out on the need for improved access to treatments for type 1 diabetes and the importance of funding research into the prevention and cure of the condition.

This followed the announcement that the number of under fives in Europe with type 1 diabetes is set to double between 2005 and 2020, according to a new study published in medical journal The Lancet.

The research is based on data collected by the EURODIAB study investigators and includes 29,311 cases of type 1 diabetes recorded in 17 European countries between 1989 and 2003.

The scientists found that the overall incidence of type 1 diabetes rose by 3.9% per year. Among the under fives it was 5.4% per year, and in the five to nine age group it was 4.3% per year.

They predicted that, based on present trends, 24,400 new cases of type 1 diabetes will be diagnosed in children under 15 in 2020, including 7,142 cases in the under fives.

They say that Europe will see a 70% increase in the total number of cases between 2005 and 2020 and the UK nearly 80%. Among the under fives, the total number of cases is predicted to double, from 9,955 in 2005 to 20,113 in 2020.

The rapid increase in incidence that this study predicts cannot be accounted for by genetic factors alone. This means that environmental factors must play a role in this increase - but this study does not throw any light on what these factors might be.

At present, there is no definitive answer to what causes type 1 diabetes, although we know of a number of genes that influence risk of developing type 1 diabetes, and previous studies have also shown that factors such as mothers' age at birth, breast feeding and early exposure to infections may be weakly associated with altering risk of developing the condition.

Karen said: “The results of this new study show a worrying trend in the future of type 1 diabetes incidence. It is vital that the Government begins to act now in order to prepare for the predicted surge in the number of new cases. Good management and good blood glucose control are crucial to reducing the long term risks of complications from the condition. Children with type 1 diabetes need support from not only their families, but also from their healthcare teams and schools in order to manage the condition.

“JDRF will continue to fund research to prevent and cure type 1 diabetes. Until then, we urge the Government to put in place strategies to make sure that children with type 1 diabetes get the best possible support and access to treatment to manage their condition and minimise the short and long term risks to their health.“

JDRF relies on donations from people like you to fund vital research. Find out what staff and volunteers are doing to help and how you can get involved too.

Karen appeared on Sky News to talk more about this study.  View the Sky News footage below.