Heterogeneity of diabetes in south Asian patients in Bradford, West Yorkshire.

The incidence of type 1 diabetes in children in India and Pakistan is remarkably low. However, south Asian children resident in the UK have a rising incidence of type 1 diabetes, approaching that of the indigenous population. There is particular concern about the emergence of type 2 diabetes in children, and the consequent morbidity and mortality. 5 South Asian children are particularly at risk of type 2 diabetes. A total of 160 children aged 0–16 attend the diabetic clinic in Bradford, of which 58 (38%) are of south Asian origin. In comparison, south Asian children comprise 27% and 32% of the primary and secondary school populations, respectively. Most have type 1 diabetes, but some have more unusual conditions not seen in the indigenous children.