Incidence of childhood diabetes did not increase in Estonia during 1980-89.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the temporal variation in the incidence of Type 1 diabetes in Estonia for 1980-89. Data were taken from the Estonian Childhood Type 1 Diabetes Register. "Poisson" regression modelling was completed with GLIM software adjusting for age and ethnic groups. No calendar period effect was found, either when allowing for distinct period effects, or looking for trends. No urban-rural difference was detected in the incidence of childhood onset Type 1 diabetes. In conclusion, our analysis provides evidence that the incidence of childhood Type 1 diabetes was relatively stable in Estonia during the past decade in contrast to some other Baltic countries where a significant increase has been reported.