Endocrinology

Transient and permanent neonatal diabetes

This study aimed to establish incidence rates for both the transient and permanent forms of neonatal diabetes (information which was not available from the literature). It was hoped that the data would allow comparisons between the clinical, physiological and genetic characteristics of the children presenting with these two conditions. This unique cohort of cases would allow evaluation of the influence of neonatal pancreatic islet cell dysfunction on later physical and endocrine development.

By bpsu · July 1, 1994

Lead investigator

Dr J Shield

About the study

In 1994, transient neonatal diabetes was a rare condition that affected babies born at term. Failure of beta cell maturation was proposed as the underlying pathology.

The study wished to establish the incidence of both transient and permanent forms of neonatal diabetes. The study also aimed to define the clinical, physiological and genetic characteristics of these conditions.

Within the study period, two new cases of neonatal diabetes were notified, giving an incidence rate of approximately one per 400,000 births. In addition, a further two cases were reported to the investigating team after the study, alongside eleven retrospective cases.

Duration

July 1994 – August 1995

Published papers

Shield JP, Gardner RJ, Wadsworth EJ, Whiteford ML, James RS, Robinson DO, Baum JD, Temple IK. Aetiopathology and genetic basis of neonatal diabetes. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 1997 Jan;76(1):F39-42. doi: 10.1136/fn.76.1.f39. PMID: 9059185; PMCID: PMC1720618

BPSU Tenth Annual Report 1995 – 1996

Support Group

Diabetes UK | helpline@diabetes.org.uk