First Australian data on type 2 diabetes in children

It is not known how many children and adolescents have type 2 diabetes mellitus in Australia. Anecdotal evidence has suggested for some time that the number is on the rise. The first Australian data to date on the incidence of type 2 diabetes will be released at a diabetes paediatric outreach meeting organised by The Children's Hospital at Westmead.

The data shows that between 1999 - 2001, 5% of the children and adolescents presenting with diabetes to The Children's Hospital at Westmead had type 2 diabetes. One third of those were aged 13 - 15 years.

The great challenge is how best to manage this disease which is associated with an increased risk of complications. In fact, in those who have been screened, three out of four had signs of kidney disease.

Nuala Harkin, Diabetes Educator and Janine Cusumano, Coordinator of the Diabetes Complications Assessment Service will present the data on the first day of the meeting. The meeting will be held over two days (May 14 - 15) at the Novotel, Darling Harbour.

The meeting is designed to provide an update on childhood diabetes for paediatricians and allied health workers caring for children in rural New South Wales. The information is pivotal to providing the very best care for these children. Whilst the outreach services of the Hospital visit twice a year and communication is ongoing, children rely on local services. It is also an opportunity for health professionals to share experiences and knowledge, vital when they may only look after one or two children with the illness.

There are 1800 children, under 15 years old, with type 1 diabetes mellitus living in NSW. Each year, a further 300 are newly diagnosed.

Professor Martin Silink, from The Children's Hospital at Westmead, will chair the meeting. Dr Kim Donaghue, CHW, President of Australasian Paediatric Endocrine Group, is co-convenor.

For further information, please contact:

Gilly Paxton
Public Relations
The Children's Hospital at Westmead
(02) 9845 3568