Diabetes trends in the US: 1990-1998

OBJECTIVE - To examine trends in diabetes prevalence in the U.S. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - This study was conducted via telephone survey s in states that participated in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Sy stem between 1990 and 1998. The participants consisted of noninstitutionali zed adults aged 18 years or older. The main outcome measure was self-report ed diabetes. RESULTS - The prevalence of diabetes rose from 4.9% in 1990 to 6.5% in 1998 -an increase of 33%. Increases were observed in both sexes, all ages, all e thnic groups, all education levels, and nearly all states. Changes in preva lence varied by state. The prevalence of diabetes was highly correlated wit h the prevalence of obesity (r = 0.64, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS - The prevalence of diabetes continues to increase rapidly in t he U.S. Because the prevalence of obesity is also rising, diabetes will bec ome even more common. Major efforts are needed to alter these trends.