DOWN'S SYNDROME : TYPE 1 DIABETES. Key Points.

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(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%
- Vitiligo 7%
Presentation and treatment as for other children

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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