Authors:
Ball SJ, Haynes A, Jacoby P, Pereira G, Miller LJ, Bower C, Davis EA
Authors notes:
Health and Place 28: 194-204
Keywords:
latitude, population density, remoteness, socioeconomic status, Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Abstract:
This study analysed spatial and temporal variation in childhood incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) among Western Australia's 36 Health Districts from 1991 to 2010.
There was a strong latitudinal gradient of 3.5% increased risk of T1DM per degree south of the Equator, as averaged across the range 15-35° south.
This pattern is consistent with the hypothesis of vitamin D deficiency at higher latitudes.
In addition there was a 2.4% average increase in T1DM incidence per year.
These effects could not be explained by population density, socioeconomic status, remoteness or ethnicity.