INCIDENCE AND PREVALENCE OF DIABETES IN MANITOBA, 1986-1991

OBJECTIVE - To estimate the incidence and prevalence of diabetes among adults in Mani toba, Canada, from 1986 to 1991. RESEARCH DESIGN AND M ETHODS - A population-based database of individuals diagnosed with dia betes (Manitoba Diabetes Database) was created using data from Manitob a Health's comprehensive insurance system. Using this database, estima tes of the annual incidence and prevalence of diabetes among Manitoba adults aged greater than or equal to 25 years were made for the years 1986-1991. Age-specific and age-adjusted rates were calculated separat ely for men and women. RESULTS - The prevalence of diabetes in 1991 wa s 66.9/1,000 among adults greater than or equal to 25 years. Between 1 986 and 1991 the age-adjusted prevalence rose steadily among both men and women. In 1991, the incidence of diabetes was 5.6/1,000. After an observed decline prior to 1989, the annual incidence of diabetes appea rs to be relatively stable. CONCLUSIONS - The prevalence of diabetes i s increasing steadily despite relatively stable incidence rates. Popul ation-based data are required for projecting future trends and are an important tool for planning the required health resources.