Msc in Diabetes a population approach Type 1 Diabetes

No geographical pattern is apparent within the variation, and the hypothesis of a North-South difference is not supported.

Geographical variation

• Statistically significant clustering of incidence has been noted in Yorkshire, even at the ward level, as well as in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

• The clustering of incident cases of type 1 diabetes has been linked with deprivation and household crowding and suggest environmental, rather than genetic, components.

• A role for ecological factors, such as nitrates in drinking water, cannot be excluded.

• Geographical variation is not unique to Britain: in Finland regional differences have been observed, with an inverse correlation between population density and incidence of type 1 diabetes .

Seasonal variation