Epidemiology of diabetes mellitus in childhood

Diabetes mellitus in childhood may correspond to different pathophysiological entities but type 1 diabetes is by far the most common form of diabetes in children. Its incidence has been increasing steadily over the past two decades. This trend is particularly important among younger children, leading to a youngest median age at the discovery of diabetes. Thus, approximately 25% of diagnoses of type 1 diabetes are in children under 5 years. In France, the type 2 diabetes in children is rare despite the rise in obesity. Investigations for the diagnosis are recommended in obese adolescents with a family history of type 2 diabetes. Monogenic diabetes are more common than type 2 diabetes in Europe. Their research depends on the analysis of family history and may lead to a specific therapeutic approach. (C) 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.