PREVALENCE OF NIDDM AND IMPAIRED GLUCOSE-TOLERANCE IN ITALY - AN OGTT-BASED POPULATION STUDY

To provide complete prevalence data on diabetes mellitus in Italy (dia gnosed and undiagnosed), a population survey was performed in the Heal th District of Cremona, a representative area of the Po river (north I taly). The survey is characterised by particular attention being paid to methodology, non-responders being investigated for possible selecti on biases affecting diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes prevalence esti mations, Out of a population aged 44 years or older from three municip alities, a random sample of 3097 subjects was selected to undergo an o ral glucose tolerance test. In addition, past medical history, clinica l and laboratory data were collected, A total of 1797 subjects partici pated (58%), and information on known diabetes status was obtained for 2618 persons (85%), also including 826 interviewed non-participating subjects. Overall rates were age-standardised according to the 1991 It alian census, Overall prevalence and 95% confidence interval of diagno sed diabetes was 8.5% (6.9-10.1) in males and 7.9% (6.7-9.3) in female s over the age of 44 years; previously undiagnosed diabetes was 2.5% ( 1.4-3.6) in males and 3.4% (2.1-4.7) in females; glucose intolerance w as 7.7% (5.7-9.7) in males and 8.9% (7.0-10.8) in females, Total diabe tes prevalence above age 44 years, developed-world age, and sex standa rdised, was 10.7%. This study provides the first reliable prevalence e stimation of impaired glucose tolerance, diagnosed and undiagnosed dia betes in Italy, according to World Health Organization criteria, and o ne of the few figures for Southern Europe, The role of body mass index on both prevalence of diabetes and cluster of cardiovascular risk fac tors is considered, with implications for prevention.