Title:Epidemiology of Type 1 Diabetes in Latin America
Volume: 10
Issue: 2
Author(s): Rita Angelica Gomez-Diaz, Nayely Garibay-Nieto, Niels Wacher-Rodarte and Carlos Alberto Aguilar-Salinas
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Incidence, type 1 diabetes, pediatric population, Latin America, diabetes costs, diabetes programs.
Abstract: Latin America is among the regions with the highest diabetes-related burden. Research and treatment programs
have increased in number and complexity in recent years, but they are focused in type 2 diabetes, because this condition
explains a large proportion of the cases. In contrast, the information regarding the epidemiology of type 1 diabetes is scant
in this area. Here, we analyze the available information on this topic and identify potential areas of opportunity to generate
new knowledge through the study of type 1 diabetes in Latin Americans.
Both, the prevalence and the incidence of type 1 diabetes, are lower in Latin American countries compared to that reported
in Europe, North America, southern Asia and northern Africa. Biologic and methodological factors may explain
the smaller contribution of type 1. The presence of some putative 'protective' environmental exposures or the absence of
those prevalent in a region may explain the lower type 1 diabetes prevalence observed in most Latin American countries.
However, the number and quality of the diabetes registries are not enough in this region. During the past decade, the incidence
of type 1 diabetes has grown worldwide. The same trend has been reported in Latin America. This epidemiologic
transition is a unique opportunity to identify interactions between rapidly changing environmental factors in subjects with
different genetic backgrounds (such as the admixed Latin American populations). Finally, on-going therapeutic initiatives
in this region are highlighted.
