STUDY OF THE PREVALENCE OF DIABETES-MELLITUS IN ADULTS IN THE SHOUGANG-CORPORATION IN BEIJING

The aim was to determine the burden of diabetes mellitus (DM) in an ur ban area of China to aid us in planning preventive measures for those at risk of DM. A survey was conducted among the 29 859 subjects aged b etween 30 and 64 belonging to 32 units of the Shougang Corporation (a heavy industry enterprise) within the Beijing area. WHO study protocol s and diagnostic criteria were used to determine the prevalence of DM and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). The results showed that the age- adjusted prevalance of DM and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was 3.6 3 % and 4.19 %, respectively, both increasing with age. Peak prevalenc e for both occurred in the 60-64 age group. Prevalence showed no diffe rence between the sexes in DM but was higher for females in IGT. Obesi ty, being overweight, a family history of diabetes mellitus and in wom en, a history of delivering babies with macrosomia, all correlated clo sely with the prevalence of DM and IGT. High protein intake was also a ssociated with DM. Smoking had no effect on either DM or IGT. Intellec tual workers had a higher incidence of IGT than manual workers. Sevent y per cent DM was undiagnosed prior to the survey. This survey, done a ccording to the recommendation of WHO, and including appropriate adjus tments, reflects the growing prevalence of DM and IGT in this populati on. It can be compared with other studies for epidemiological analysis .