Maternal Age and Birth Order of Young IDDM Patients. A Study from Southern India

Objective: To assess the effects of maternal age and birth order on the risk of IDDM in Asian Indians.

Research Design And Methods: Data from a diabetes registry in Madras, India, was used to find IDDM patients diagnosed before 20 yr of age. A questionnaire was used to elicit clinical details of subjects.

Results: Children with mothers < or = 24 yr of age had a higher percentage of IDDM. Children with lower birth orders had a higher prevalence of IDDM.

Conclusions: The risk of IDDM in children is increased in children with lower birth orders, born of younger mothers.