The T1D Index: Implications of Initial Results, Data Limitations, and Future Development

Abstract

Purpose of the Review Current global information on incidence, prevalence, and mortality of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. To address this gap in evidence, JDRF, Life for a Child, International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes, and International Diabetes Federation have developed the T1D Index, which uses a Markov mathematical model, and machine learning and all available data to provide global estimates of the burden on T1D. This review assesses the methodology, limitations, current findings, and future directions of the Index. Recent Findings Global prevalence was estimated at 8.4 million in 2021, with 1.5 million <20 years (y). T1D prevalence varied from 1.5 to 534 per 100,000, with T1D accounting for <0.1–17.8% of all diabetes in different countries. A total of 35,000 young people <25 y are estimated to have died at clinical onset of T1D from non-diagnosis. An estimated 435,000 people <25 y were receiving “minimal care.” Health-adjusted life years (HALYs) lost for individuals diagnosed with T1D at age 10 y in 2021 ranged from 14 to 55 y. Summary These results show that interventions to reduce deaths from non-diagnosis, and improve access to at least an intermediate care level, are needed to reduce projected life years lost. The results have significant uncertainties due to incomplete data across the required inputs. Obtaining recent incidence, prevalence, and mortality data, as well as addressing data quality issues, misdiagnoses, and the lack of adult data, is essential for maintaining and improving accuracy. The index will be updated regularly as new data become available.

Conveying the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes to the blind, low‐vision and diverse needs communities through sensory stimulation

“…Type 1 diabetes has serious effects on the quality of life and increases the mortality of affected individuals. [1][2][3][4] Indeed, in Australia ~12 000 people (~3 million people worldwide) with type 1 diabetes should still be alive today but for complications associated with the disease. 1 A significant disease burden is also evident for type 1 diabetics, with an estimated 19 years of healthy life lost per person.…”

“…Approximately 130 000 Australians (~8.7 million people worldwide) are living with the chronic autoimmune disease type 1 diabetes (T1D), with about 3000 Australians newly diagnosed every year. Type 1 diabetes has serious effects on the quality of life and increases the mortality of affected individuals 1–4 . Indeed, in Australia ~12 000 people (~3 million people worldwide) with type 1 diabetes should still be alive today but for complications associated with the disease 1 .…”