Where in the world is Type 1 diabetes most prevalent?

I forgot where I read it, but I saw this article with respect to that new documentary movie "Babies." The writer gave an analysis of how each baby was raised and where- and germs that they were susceptible too. For instance, the Namibia baby grew up around farm animals and likely built up a resistance to germs early on; whereas the baby in SF was more susceptible to germs due to being in a cleaner environment; and autoimmune diseases like Type 1 diabetes due to being around more chemicals- like pesticides and stuff. My mom grew up in the Phillippines and had no health probs except for anemia; my dad has nothing wrong w/ him and he grew up in LA, but his aunts and mom had hyper or hypo thyroid probs which are autoimmune diseases.

Anyway, I wish I could find the article- I'll try to google it. Please comment your thoughts or any knowledge of studies done on this subject.

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Comment by DARGIRL on July 8, 2010 at 4:41pm: Interesting discussion. I am currently reading the book Diabetes Rising and the writer referes numerous times about areas that where Diabetes is prevalent. Colorado, Massachustts, Finland (sp) and so on..... He also refers to many hypothetical reasons as to why there is a increase amount of Diabetes in our world. The author also writes about scientist who have experimented, research their theroys, i.e. Cows Milk theroy, contaminates, diet and lifestyle evolutions, playing in the dirt factors and many more. Most of it is very interesting, but some of the stuff is a little over my head. It is a very informative read.

Read the book with an open mine. Because as soon as you start agreeing with the first example, and start telling yourself "ya that makes sense why we all have diabetes " the next chapter in the book will change your thoughts as to why there is a rapid increase in Diabetes. Check it out from your Library. Here are the details Diabetes Rising, by Dan Hurley. Published 2009 ?2010

Comment by nel on July 8, 2010 at 5:27pm: I understand the reason why Finland ( DARGIRL mentioned ) , is the lack of Vitamin D ...not enough sunshine ; too far from the warmest places on earth at the equator.

Comment by Melitta on July 8, 2010 at 10:25pm: Supposedly the highest rates of diabetes in the world are in Finland. But since Type 1 diabetes has been documented (written word) for several thousand years, it clearly predates man-made pesticides and "cleaner environments."

Comment by Tim on July 9, 2010 at 8:47am: I think the statistics can be hard, because in large parts of the world T1's typically die before diagnosis. Even in the US this happens - we might like to think that it only happens to those without access to medical care but in my hometown, the son of a well-to-do-family died of undiagnosed T1.

And the statistics will likely skew you to believe that diabetes is most prevalent, in areas where T1's are the most likely to get diagnosed, get the best medical treatment and live the longest, because these will be the areas with the most T1's.

Comment by DARGIRL on July 9, 2010 at 3:04pm: Hurley also referes to Weston MA. An area close to Joslin. Here is my theroy. Just how many Diabetics moved to MA as a result of seeking Diabetes at Joslin over the past decades. Therefore a increase of Diabetic genetics evolved over the years.

Comment by ClumsyChemist on July 10, 2010 at 5:20am: This article is interesting, and talks about autoimmune diseases as a whole. T1 is generally the result of an infection combined with a somewhat impaired immune system. This means that environmental factors can play a role in either providing the infection or weakening the immune system but I doubt all of these factors are unique to western civilization. It is clear that medical care is worse elseware which I would expect to cause the biggest discrepancy.

Comment by Betty J on July 10, 2010 at 6:44pm: The Scandinavian(sp?) countries have a high incidence of T1. There are all type of theories why T1 occurs...lack of vitamin D....a virus...as some said chemicals. Whatever sets the body against it'sself happens in all autoimmune diseases.

Comment by folkclarinet on July 12, 2010 at 10:41am: And I have heard that Finnish-Americans (like myself...I'm half-Finn) are more likely to have diabetes, depression and alcoholism....Two outta three ain't bad-at least I can have my beer! :)

Comment by folkclarinet on July 12, 2010 at 10:42am: p.s. I have no sources for my info...Just anecdotally, and no idea whether they're more t1 or t2...

Comment by Christalyn on July 13, 2010 at 3:56pm: I am not sure about the logic with the movie you are referring too. I would be interested in reading their references.

As you stated the baby in SF was more susceptible to germs for being in a cleaner environment. Then you mention that Type 1 may be produced in environments that have more chemicals like pesticides. I have read the same information that the highest incidents of Type 1 are in your Scandinavian countries because of the lack of sunlight to product Vitamin D. there have been suggestions that Type 1 is linked to environmental factors but it solely can be blamed for the occurrence.

My point is this....there are other nations in this world that are extremely polluted and chemical ridden do not report a high incidence of Type 1. I am not sure how polluted the Scandinavian countries but they do not rank in the top 10 of the Worlds most of polluted.

China for instance is building a Disneyland theme park on a old chemical dump site. Even though they supposedly have removed all the contaminated land, I wouldn't want to go there....That may make me turn into a Type 1.