ORF10-04 - Trends in Type 1 Diabetes Incidence Among Individuals Aged 15-19 Years in Puerto Rico, 2009-2024

Background: The incidence of pediatric type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been increasing globally, with an estimated 1.2 million children and adolescents living with T1D worldwide and reported annual increases in incidence of approximately 2–5% across many regions. However, population-based data describing incidence trends among individuals aged 15–19 years in Puerto Rico remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate temporal trends in T1D incidence among individuals aged 15–19 years in Puerto Rico.

Methods: We conducted a population-based observational study of newly diagnosed T1D cases among adolescents aged 15–19 years residing in Puerto Rico from 2009 to 2024. Case data were obtained from the Fundación Pediátrica de Diabetes, which captures incident pediatric diabetes cases through referrals from an island-wide clinical network in Puerto Rico. Annual crude incidence rates were calculated using U.S. Census population estimates and expressed per 100,000 population. Temporal trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression to estimate annual percent change (APC) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results: Between 2009 and 2024, annual T1D incidence rates among adolescents aged 15–19 years increased from 10.1 per 100,000 in 2009 to a peak of 24.1 per 100,000 in 2021 and remained elevated through 2024 (18.3 per 100,000). Joinpoint regression identified a statistically significant increasing trend over the study period, with a single continuous segment from 2009 to 2024 and an APC of 4.1% (95% CI 0.71–7.57; p = 0.021).

Conclusions: The incidence of type 1 diabetes among adolescents aged 15–19 years in Puerto Rico increased significantly between 2009 and 2024, with an annual percent increase of 4.1%. These findings demonstrate a sustained rise in T1D incidence in this age group and underscore the importance of continued population-based surveillance to inform healthcare planning and resource allocation. Future studies are needed to identify factors contributing to the significant rise in type 1 diabetes incidence in Puerto Rico.