Visual evoked potentials were studied in 30 insulin-dependent diabetic children and adolescents. Thirty percent of the subjects had evidence of significant abnormalities. No correlation was found between visual evoked potentials and age, duration of diabetes, metabolic control, and retinopathy.

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the relationship between the histocompatibility antigens and type I diabetes mellitus in families living in the north-eastern part of Italy. In each family two siblings were affected by diabetes. HLA-antigens were determined with the lymphocytotoxicity test, utilizing antisera of the series A-B-C-DR. The phenotypic frequencies were compared with those observed in controls. We showed that diabetes has a strong association with HLA DR 3 and/or DR 4 antigens. In particular we registered high frequency of compound heterozygous DR 3 - DR 4 subjects, and this fact supports the hypothesis of the existence of two different genes for diabetes associated with these HLA antigens. Moreover we observed a particular haplotype segregation with a very high percentage of HLA identity between patients belonging to the same family, confirming the association between HLA and genetic susceptibility to insulin dependent diabetes. These results confirm data in the literature and, completed by other data from other patients' families living in our area, will be useful in providing reliable genetic counselling.

Pinelli L, Mormile R, Alfonsi L, Gonfiantini E, Piccoli R, Chiarelli F. The role of nutrition in prevention of complications in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Acta Pzdiatr 1999; Suppl 427 3 9 4 2 . Stockholm. ISSN 0803-5326Nutrition management is an integral part of overall diabetic treatment that includes insulin, physical activity, emotional support and guidance. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a dietary approach in line with the recommended dietary allowances in terms of protein, total and saturated fat, carbohydrates as well as fibre and polyunsaturated fatty acid. A correct dietary approach may help to prevent and to reduce to a minimum any risk of hyperglycaemia, hypoglycaemia and important long-term complications such as obesity, hyperlipidaemia and hypertension, and at the same time normal growth development. 0 Complications, diet, insulindependent diabetes rnellitus, nutrition, prevention

No abstract

The objective of this study was to provide reliable data on the incidence of type 1 diabetes, in children aged 0-14 years, in the Veneto region, and to better understand its geographical variability throughout Italy and Europe. All new cases of type 1 diabetes diagnosed between 1st January 1993 and 31st December 1994 among residents in Veneto were recorded. Clinical records from 33 hospitals in the region were used as the primary source for this study. The number of disease-related free-of-charge prescriptions served as a secondary source. The completeness of ascertainment was estimated at 89%. The mean incidence estimated over the 1993-1994 period was 10.7 per 100,000/year. The Veneto region appears to have a relatively high incidence of IDDM among non-insular Italian regions. No significant sex-related difference in incidence was noted; the male/female ratio was 1.5.