The IDF Diabetes Atlas (Fifth Edition, 2011) estimates that there are approximately 490,000 children under 15 years with type 1 diabetes. There is probably a similar number of youth with diabetes aged 15-25. However, the estimates for numbers of children and youth in many developing countries are very incertain due to lack of data. Additionally, in children and adolescents, type 2 diabetes is on the increase in all countries irrespective of socio-economic status (IDF Diabetes Atlas, 2011). We estimate that 80-100,000 children and youth around the world are in urgent need of assistance.
Lack of access to insulin remains the most common cause of death in a child with diabetes (Gale, 2006). The estimated life expectancy of a child who has just developed diabetes could be less than a year in some areas (Beran et al, 2005). Many die undiagnosed, others through lack of insulin or lack of expert care. In some countries, expert care is available but resources are limited and so early and serious complications frequently lead to death in young adulthood.
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