Incidence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in Benghazi, Libya (1991-1995).

This report concerns the incidence rate of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in the 0-14 year age group in Benghazi, Libya. Incidence data are based on prospective registration of patients as part of the WHO Diamond Project from 1991 to 1995. A total of 126 IDDM incident cases (73 girls, 53 boys) were identified during this 5-year period. All patients were Libyan Arab Benghazi residents. Case ascertainment was 100%. The overall yearly incidence was 8.1 cases/100,000 population (95%, CI 6.8-9.7). Incidence was slightly higher in girls (9.5, CI 7.5-12.0) than in boys (6.7, CI 5.1-8.8). Incidence rates increased steadily with age in both sexes and were slightly higher than those reported for Benghazi during the period 1981 to 1990 (girls 7.8, boys 6.3, both sexes 7.0). Annual variation of incidence was not significant, whereas seasonality of onset was significant (P < 0.05). The study shows that IDDM is as frequent in Libya as in other Mediterranean countries.