An Update on the Epidemiology of Childhood Diabetes in Hong Kong

Objectives: To update the incidence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in children aged <19 years from 1997 to 2007 in Hong Kong. Methods: Retrospective population-based incidence study. Primary ascertainment: reviewing medical records of diabetes patients in all public hospitals. Secondary ascertainment: impractical upon implementation of personal data privacy ordinance in Hong Kong. Results: Type 1 diabetes: Standardised age-adjusted incidence was 2.4/100,000/yr for children aged <15 years. Significant increase in incidence rate was shown (Slope=0.11/100,000/yr; R=0.40; p=0.036). There was a significant increase in incidence in 0-4-year age-group. Type 2 diabetes: Standardised age-adjusted incidence was 2.1/100,000/yr for 10-18-year age-group. Significant increase in incidence rate was shown (Slope=0.314/100,000/yr; R= 0.711; p=0.001), with a sharp rise after 2004. Conclusions: Standardised age-adjusted incidence of childhood type 1 diabetes remained low while that for type 2 diabetes was newly determined. A definite increase in incidence for both types was shown (1997-2007), with a trend towards younger age of onset.