PREVALENCE OF CHRONIC COMPLICATIONS IN JAPANESE DIABETIC-PATIENTS

In November 1990, we carried out a survey of chronic complications of diabetes in more than 2000 diabetic patients who were seen on one day in 35 medical institutions including university hospitals, other hospi tals and small clinics. More than 60% were aged 55-74 years. About 7% of patients had IDDM. Hypertension was present in 38.5%. Proteinuria w as positive in 20% and 1% of patients were on dialysis therapy. 28% ha d visual disturbance and 2.9% had blindness in one or both eyes. Retin opathy was observed in 38% and proliferative retinopathy in 10%. The p revalences of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, cerebral infarct ion and foot ulcer and gangrene were 2.1%, 4.7%, 5.7% and 2%, respecti vely, including the histories of these complications. Amputation of lo wer extremities was seen in only 0.6%. Microangiopathies were generall y more frequent and more severe in IDDM than NIDDM. The prevalence of microangiopathy was as common as, but macroangiopathy seems less frequ ent than, the figures given in 'Diabetes in America'.