Keypoints diabetes. 28.08.01




 DOWN'S SYNDROME : TYPE 1 DIABETES
                                                            Key Points

(based on conference paper by Dr Julian Shield at RSM conference. April 2001)


     Type 1 diabetes probably around 10 times as
     common as in other children.

     Prevalence estimates very variable.

     Often develops earlier than in other children.
                           Around 15% before age 1
                           Around 20% before age 2

     Appears to reflect a particularly aggressive
     autoimmune phenomenon.

     High incidence of other autoimmune disorders
     among those with DS and type 1 diabetes
                           Thyroid disease                                                                   36%
                           Coeliac disease                                                                   7%
                           Alopecia 10%
                           Vitligo 7%

     Presentation and treatment as for other
     children

Research request:
Dr Julian Shield in the Department of Child Health at the University of Bristol continues to
research into the causes of increased autoimmunity in Down's syndrome with a particular emphasis
on those with diabetes.
If you know of a child in the UK or Republic of Ireland with Down's syndrome and diabetes who
has not been included in his research to date and whose family might like to be involved please ask
them to contact him for further details.
Contact details:
Dr Julian Shield. New Education Centre, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Upper Maudlin St,
Bristol, BS2 8BJ
e-mail j.p.h.shield@Bristol.ac.uk

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DSMIG (UK) 2001   www.dsmig.org.uk                                                                                                     16.01.02