UK type 1 diabetes rate in children ‘among world’s highest’

A new report from Diabetes UK has demonstrated that children in the UK are more likely to be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes than almost anywhere else in the world.

The charity has compiled a global league table based on estimates from the International Diabetes Federation, showing that 24.5 per 100,000 children aged up to 14 in the UK are diagnosed with the condition every year.

This is higher than every other country with data other than Finland, Sweden, Saudi Arabia and Norway, doubling the rates of 12.2 and 12.1 per 100,000 youngsters seen in France and Italy respectively.

It is unknown why this trend is occurring, as type 1 diabetes is linked to genetics rather than obesity or lifestyle, but the findings suggest a need for better care for those affected by the condition.

Barbara Young, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: "The fact that the rate is so high here in the UK means it is especially important that parents know the symptoms."

Of the estimated 2.9 million people with diabetes in the UK, around 400,000 people have the type 1 variant, with 29,000 of this group being children.