PREVALENCE OF DIABETES-MELLITUS IN THE POPULATION AGED 40-69 YEARS INGALICIA, NORTHWEST SPAIN

A cross-sectional study of the prevalence and distribution of diabetes among 40- to 69-year olds in Galicia (NW Spain) is presented. A Reflo tron(R) system was used to measure the capillary fasting glucaemia in 1275 subjects randomly chosen from the electoral roll, who also answer ed a short questionnaire and were weighed and measured. The prevalence of diabetes was 7.5% regardless of sex or habitat (urban ol rural), a nd increased significantly with age. These data are in keeping with th e scant available information from other parts of Spain and the world in general. The lack of difference between urban and rural habitats wa s unexpected in view of previously reported dietary differences betwee n both areas.