TYPE-II DIABETES (NIDDM) - OVERVIEW OF TH E PRECLINICAL AND CLINICAL SITUATION AS EXEMPLIFIED BY A RURAL GENERAL-HOSPITAL

From unselected patients of a general hospital 198 patients with diabe tes mellitus type II (NIDDM) were registrated between May and December 1990 by means of a standardized questionnaire and with the help of st andardized clinical diagnostics epidemiological as well as anamnestic and clinical data were collected. In the great majority of the cases, the only therapeutical approach consisted in medical treatment, most c ommonly lacking dietary advices. The patients knowledge concerning dia betes and dietary treatment strongly correlated with the participation in specific education courses in the past. There was a high incidence of relevant concommitant diseases and pathological appearances succee ded to the diabetes mellitus. In view of the actually pronounced risk factors and concommittant diseases the importance of a ,,metabolic syn drome'' becomes evident alluding to consequences in diagnosis and trea tment. With regard to public health aspects and financial implications extensive education and training programs, especially in the field of ambulant care, seem to be necessary. Rising prevalence- and incidence rates of the diabetic disease claim, besides preventive means, for in itiative in this subject.