The Incidence and Demographical Distribution of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Children Aged 16 or Younger Between 2000 and 2016 in Northern Cyprus

Objective: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a disease characterized by severe insulin deficiency. In 2008 our group studied the prevalence of diabetes in adults between 20-80 years of age. Data regarding subjects in the pediatric population is lacking. The objective of this study was to reach the incidence of type 1 diabetes among permanent inhabitants aged 16 or younger between 2001-2016 in Northern Cyprus. Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis. The patients were mainly evaluated and recorded at B. Nalbantoglu Hospital in Nicosia. We also reviewed the data of Famagusta Government Hospital, Kyrenia Government Hospital, Near East University Hospital and the Cyprus Turkish Diabetes Association. Results: A total of 107 subjects were diagnosed as T1D between 2001 and 2016 in this age group. Forty-nine (45.7%) were girls and 58 (54.3%) were boys. 38.7% were residing in Nicosia, 30.2% Famagusta, 12.3% Kyrenia, 9.4% Guzelyurt and 7.5% Iskele. The proportion of newly diagnosed T1D was highest among children aged 9-12 years (35.5%) followed by children aged 5-8 years (32.7%). Newly diagnosed T1D were most frequently presented in April and March. The overall mean incidence rate was 11.1/100000 between 2001 and 2016. The incidence rates were similar and comparable among the years. Conclusion: This study is the first to analyze the incidence of T1D in Northern Cyprus. Compared to other countries the incidence rate is intermediate. Our findings are similar to the incidence rates of T1D in South Cyprus and Turkey.