THE PREVALENCE OF DIABETES-MELLITUS IN SW ITZERLAND - CALCULATION BASED ON DRUG SALES DATA

Data on prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Switzerland are scarce. In connection with a EURODIAB project the prevalence of diabetes was asse ssed in a standardized form, based on sales data for antidiabetic drug s. The prevalence of diabetes treated by specific drugs was calculated on the basis of Swiss sales data for antidiabetic drugs (corrected fo r combination therapies), the average prescribed daily dosages of insu lin and oral antidiabetic drugs (OAD) defined by an inquiry in 38 phar macies, and the mean annual population of Switzerland. The following p revalence rates were obtained (patients per 1000 inhabitants): [GRAPHI CS] Prevalence data obtained by the same, standardized method are high er in France (1.3%), Belgium (1.64%), Sweden (1.7%), and much higher i n Italy (2.2%). Calculation based on drug sales data is an easy method of obtaining prevalence rates of diabetes mellitus. In comparison wit h field studies, discompliance and non-inclusion of diabetics treated only with diet do admittedly lead to low prevalence rates. Nevertheles s, the chosen method is very useful for longitudinal observations and for international comparisons.