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The mean annual incidence rates of Type 1 diabetes mellitus in Arab children and adolescents in Benghazi, Libya were assessed as based on prospective registration of patients during the period 1981-1990. Results showed an annual incidence (per 100,000) of 7.0 (6.0-8.2) (males 6.3(5.0-7.9) females 7.8(6.3-9.7)) in 0-14 year olds and 8.8(7.8-10.0) (males 8.3(6.9-10.0), females 9.2(7.7-11.0)) in 0-19 year olds. There were no significant differences between males and females or between season of onset. The commonest age of onset was 15-19 years. Annual variations were significant in the 0-14 years age group (p < 0.001) and non-significant in the 0-19 years age group. In 1981 the age adjusted prevalence rates of Type 1 patients (per 100,000) were 23.5 (17.1-31.5) (males 21.2(13.1-32.3), females 25.9(16.8-38.3)) in 0-14 year olds and 36.2(29.1-45.1) (males 31.4(22.2-43.2), females 41.0(30.2-54.5)) in 0-19 year olds. In 1990 the prevalence rates had increased to 37.3(30.5-45.5) (males 40.7(30.8-53.3), females 33.8 (24.6-45.3)) in 0-14 year olds and 59.5(51.6-58.5) (males 60.3(49.3-73.6), females 58.6 (47.7-72.1)) in 0-19 year olds. Increase in prevalence rates was significant in both sexes and in both age groups (p < 0.001). Increase in prevalence rates in girls in 1981 and in boys in 1990 were not significant. It is concluded that Type 1 diabetes is a common chronic disease of children and adolescents in Benghazi, Libya.

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