Abstract: Objective To investigate the incidence of type ⅳ diabetes and its char acteristics in Harbin in childhood(aged 0~ 14).Methods Using captur-erecapture approaches and aretrospective design,the cases were registered during 1989~1997.Results The annual crude incidence rate was 0.65 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval(CI):0.50~0.80/100,000).The average annual ascertainment-corrected incidence rate was 0.66 per 100,000(95%CI:0.63~0.68/100,000),and the standar dized incidence rate was 0.66 per 100,000(95%CI:0.51~0.81/ 100,000).A temporal variation of the incidence was observed from 1989 to 1997,but the increase was not significant.The incidence increased significantly with age,the highest incidence rate was in the 10~14 year-old age group.Conclusions The incidence was higher in Harbin than the average nationwide incidence,with no increased trend and no difference between genders.The incidence in urban area was significantly higher than in the suburbs.