A model for early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus in primary health care

Review on the screening of urine glucose for early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus in school children and adolescents with obesity in Hong Kong

OBJECTIVES

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are growing health concerns. Since 2005, Student Health Service (SHS) and Hong Kong Paediatric Society formulated a protocol on urine glucose screening (UGS) for early diagnosis of T2DM in students with obesity in Hong Kong. This study reviews students with T2DM captured by this screening program and compare the data with the Hong Kong Children Diabetes Registry (HKCDR) database, to see if the UGS program facilitates early diagnosis of T2DM.

METHODS

Students between the ages of 10-18 years old with age- and sex-specific body mass index (BMI) >97th percentile who attended SHS between the school years from 2005/06 to 2017/18 were recruited for UGS. Those tested positive for random urine glucose underwent diagnostic testing for T2DM according to ADA guidelines. Demographic data and investigatory results from UGS and HKCDR within the same time period were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 216,526 students completed UGS in the said period; 415 (0.19 %) students were tested positive for urine glucose of which 121 students were diagnosed with T2DM. UGS picked up 23 % of the newly diagnosed T2DM cases. When compared to the HKCDR database, students diagnosed via UGS were significantly younger, less obese, and had fewer diabetic related complications. The negative predictive value of UGS is high and can effectively rule out T2DM.

CONCLUSIONS

Urine glucose screening is an inexpensive and simple test that allows for early diagnosis of T2DM among obese school students. Other methods including POCT HbA1c can be explored to improve program effectiveness.

Rethinking the use of urine dipstick for early diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Transport workers, seafarers and fishers have biannual mandatory fit-for duty medical examinations. Urinedipstick is used for early diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Due to low sensitivity with more than 80% false negatives the method should be replaced by highly sensitive blood tests, Hb1Ac or similar for diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes mellitus to pursue the UN Global Sustainable Goals, especially Goal 3: Good health and well-being for all workers and Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

Characteristics of undiagnosed diabetes in men and women under the age of 50 years in the Indian subcontinent: the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4)/Demographic Health Survey 2015-2016

OBJECTIVE

Prior studies examining diabetes prevalence in India have found that nearly 50% of the diabetes population remains undiagnosed; however, the specific populations at risk are unclear.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

First, we estimated the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes in India for 750 924 persons between the ages of 15 years and 50 years who participated in the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4)/Demographic Health Survey (2015-2016), a cross-sectional survey of all 29 states and 7 union territories of India. We defined 'undiagnosed diabetes' as individuals who did not know about their diabetes status but had high random (≥200 mg/dL) or fasting (≥126 mg/dL) blood glucose levels. Second, using Poisson regression, we associated 10 different factors, including the role of healthcare access, and undiagnosed diabetes. Third, we examined the association of undiagnosed diabetes with other potential comorbid conditions.

RESULTS

The crude prevalence of diabetes for women and men aged 15-50 years was 2.9%, 95% CI 2.9% to 3.1%, with self-reported diabetes prevalence at 1.7%, 95% CI 1.6 to 1.8. The overall prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes for 15-50 year olds was at 1.2%, 95% CI 1.2% to 1.3%. Forty-two per cent, 95% CI 40.7% to 43.4% of the individuals with high glucose levels were unaware of their diabetes status. Approximately 45%, 95% CI 42.9% to 46.4% of undiagnosed diabetes population had access to healthcare. Men, younger individuals, and those with lower levels of education were most at risk of being undiagnosed. Geographically, the Southern states in India had a significantly higher prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes despite having nearly universal access to healthcare. Risk factors combined with random glucose could predict undiagnosed diabetes (area under the curve of 97.8%, 95% CI 97.7% to 97.8%), Nagelkerke R2 of 66%).

CONCLUSION

Close to half (42%) of the people with diabetes in India are not aware of their disease status, and a large subset of these people are at risk of poor detection, despite having health insurance and/or having access to healthcare. Younger age groups and men are the most vulnerable.

Altered Volatile Organic Compound Profile in Transgenic Rats Bearing A53T Mutation of Human α-Synuclein: Comparison with Dopaminergic and Serotonergic Denervation

Early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) is of great importance due its progressive phenotype. Neuroprotective drugs could potentially slow down disease progression if used at early stages. Previously, we have reported an altered content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the breath of rats following a 50% reduction in striatal dopamine (DA) content induced by 6-hydroxydopamine. We now report on the difference in the breath-print and content of VOCs between rats with mild and severe lesions of DA neurons, serotonergic neuronal lesions, and transgenic (Tg) rats carrying the PD-producing A53T mutation of the SNCA (α-synuclein) gene. The Tg rats had an increased content of 3-octen-1-ol and 4-chloro-3-methyl phenol in blood, while in brain tissue, hexanal, hexanol, and 2,3-octanedione were present in controls but absent in Tg rats. Levels of 1-heptyl-2-methyl cyclopropane were increased in brain tissue of Tg rats. The data confirm the potential of breath analysis for detection of human idiosyncratic as well as autosomal dominant PD.

Glucosuria and all-cause mortality among general screening participants

BACKGROUND

Dipstick urine tests are used for general health screening in Japan, but how the test results (e.g., glucosuria) relate to mortality is unknown.

METHODS

Subjects participated in a nationwide screening in 2008 in six districts in Japan. We identified those who might have died using the national database of death certificates from 2008 to 2012 (total registered ~ 6 million) and verified candidates with the regional National Health Insurance Agency and public health nurses. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was defined as HbA1c ≥ 6.5%, fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dl, or medicated for DM. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by Cox proportional hazard analysis. Glucosuria was defined as dipstick ≥ 1 +.

RESULTS

Among 209,060 subjects, we identified 2714 fatalities (median follow-up 3.57 years). Crude mortality rates were 1.2% for those without glucosuria and 3.4% for those with glucosuria. After adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, comorbidity (DM, hypertension, and dyslipidemia), history (stroke, heart disease, and kidney disease), and lifestyle (smoking, drinking, walking, and exercise), the HR (95% CI) for dipstick glucosuria was 1.475 (1.166-1.849, P < 0.001). DM subjects with glucosuria (N = 4655) had a higher HR [1.302 (1.044-1.613, P = 0.020)] than DM subjects without glucosuria (N = 20,245), and non-DM subjects with glucosuria (N = 470) had a higher HR [2.511 (1.539-3.833, P < 0.001)] than non-DM subjects without glucosuria (N = 183,690).

CONCLUSION

Dipstick glucosuria significantly affected mortality in Japanese community-based screening participants.

Association between lipoprotein(a) level and type 2 diabetes: no evidence for a causal role of lipoprotein(a) and insulin

AIMS

Inverse relationships have been described between the largely genetically determined levels of serum/plasma lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], type 2 diabetes (T2D) and fasting insulin. Here, we aimed to evaluate the nature of these relationships with respect to causality.

METHODS

We tested whether we could replicate the recent negative findings on causality between Lp(a) and T2D by employing the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach using cross-sectional data from three independent cohorts, Berlin Aging Study II (BASE-II; n = 2012), LIFE-Adult (n = 3281) and LIFE-Heart (n = 2816). Next, we explored another frequently discussed hypothesis in this context: Increasing insulin levels during the course of T2D disease development inhibits hepatic Lp(a) synthesis and thereby might explain the inverse Lp(a)-T2D association. We used two fasting insulin-associated variants, rs780094 and rs10195252, as instrumental variables in MR analysis of n = 4937 individuals from BASE-II and LIFE-Adult. We further investigated causality of the association between fasting insulin and Lp(a) by combined MR analysis of 12 additional SNPs in LIFE-Adult.

RESULTS

While an Lp(a)-T2D association was observed in the combined analysis (meta-effect of OR [95% CI] = 0.91 [0.87-0.96] per quintile, p = 1.3x10^-4), we found no evidence of causality in the Lp(a)-T2D association (p = 0.29, fixed effect model) when using the variant rs10455872 as the instrumental variable in the MR analyses. Likewise, no evidence of a causal effect of insulin on Lp(a) levels was found.

CONCLUSIONS

While these results await confirmation in larger cohorts, the nature of the inverse Lp(a)-T2D association remains to be elucidated.

Early detection of type 2 diabetes mellitus and screening for retinopathy are associated with reduced prevalence and severity of retinopathy

PURPOSE

To explore whether the prevalence and severity of retinopathy differ in diabetes cohorts diagnosed through screening as compared with conventional health care.

METHODS

A total of 257 diabetes patients, 151 detected through screening and 106 through conventional clinical care, were included. Retinopathy was evaluated by fundus photography. The modified Airlie House adaptation of the Early Treatment Retinopathy Study protocol was used to grade the photographs. Averages of clinically collected fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood pressure and body mass index values were compiled from diabetes diagnosis until the eye examination. Blood chemistry, smoking habits and peripheral neuropathy were assessed at the time of the eye examination.

RESULTS

Among the screening-detected patients, 22% had retinopathy as compared to 51% among those clinically detected (p < 0.0001). In a multivariate analysis, patients with retinopathy were more likely to have increased average FBG (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.19-1.70 per mmol/l) and peripheral neuropathy (OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.40-5.43), but less likely to have screening-detected diabetes (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.17-0.57). Similar results were found using increasing severity grade of retinopathy as outcome. The cumulative retinopathy prevalence for the screening-detected diabetes cohort as compared with the clinically diagnosed cohort was significantly lower from 10 years' follow-up and onwards (p = 0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with screening-detected diabetes, the prevalence of retinopathy and increasing severity of retinopathy were significantly lower than among those who had their diabetes diagnosed through conventional care, even when other risk factors for retinopathy such as duration, hyperglycaemia and blood pressure were considered. Early detection of diabetes reduces prediagnostic time spent with hyperglycaemia. In combination with early and regular screening for retinopathy, more effective prevention against retinopathy can be provided.

Mortality and cardiovascular disease outcomes among 740 patients with new-onset Type 2 diabetes detected by screening or clinically diagnosed in general practice

AIM

Screening for Type 2 diabetes among people at high risk is recommended by many organizations. The aim of this study was to analyse all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes in patients with Type 2 diabetes detected by screening or diagnosed clinically.

METHODS

A diabetes register was established at the primary healthcare centre in Laxå, Sweden beginning in 1972. The register was based on data from clinical records with information on medical treatment and laboratory data, as well as all-cause mortality, CVD, myocardial infarction and stroke events from national registers until 31 December 2013. A total of 740 patients with new-onset Type 2 diabetes were registered between 1972 and 2001. In addition, an opportunistic diabetes-screening programme involving people aged 35-79 years started in 1983 and was repeated onwards in 5-year cycles.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics showed a significantly higher CVD risk, mainly depending on more prevalent CVD events in the screened compared with the clinically detected group (propensity score 0.59 vs. 0.46, P < 0.0001). After mean follow-up periods of 12.9 and 13.6 years for screening detected vs. clinically detected patients, respectively, hazard ratios were as follows: all-cause mortality, 0.99 (P = 0.89); CVD, 1.17 (P = 0.10); myocardial infarction, 1.08 (P = 0.49); and stroke, 1.03 (P = 0.83).

CONCLUSIONS

No reduction in total mortality or CVD outcomes was found in patients with Type 2 diabetes that was detected by screening compared with those diagnosed clinically.

Developing a Screening Algorithm for Type II Diabetes Mellitus in the Resource-Limited Setting of Rural Tanzania

BACKGROUND

Noncommunicable diseases are on pace to outnumber infectious disease as the leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa, yet many questions remain unanswered with concern toward effective methods of screening for type II diabetes mellitus (DM) in this resource-limited setting. We aim to design a screening algorithm for type II DM that optimizes sensitivity and specificity of identifying individuals with undiagnosed DM, as well as affordability to health systems and individuals.

METHODS

Baseline demographic and clinical data, including hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), were collected from 713 participants using probability sampling of the general population. We used these data, along with model parameters obtained from the literature, to mathematically model 8 purposed DM screening algorithms, while optimizing the sensitivity and specificity using Monte Carlo and Latin Hypercube simulation.

RESULTS

An algorithm that combines risk assessment and measurement of fasting blood glucose was found to be superior for the most resource-limited settings (sensitivity 68%, sensitivity 99% and cost per patient having DM identified as $2.94). Incorporating HbA1c testing improves the sensitivity to 75.62%, but raises the cost per DM case identified to $6.04. The preferred algorithms are heavily biased to diagnose those with more severe cases of DM.

CONCLUSIONS

Using basic risk assessment tools and fasting blood sugar testing in lieu of HbA1c testing in resource-limited settings could allow for significantly more feasible DM screening programs with reasonable sensitivity and specificity.

Effects of fasting blood glucose levels and blood pressure and treatment of diabetes and hypertension on the incidence of cardiovascular disease: a study of 740 patients with incident Type 2 diabetes with up to 30 years' follow-up

AIMS

To analyse the effects of hyperglycaemia and hypertension and treatment of diabetes and hypertension on cardiovascular disease incidence in patients with Type 2 diabetes with up to 30 years of follow-up.

METHODS

A total of 740 patients with incident Type 2 diabetes were registered at the Laxå Primary Health Care Centre, Sweden between 1972 and 2001. Annual data on mean fasting blood glucose, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure, and type of diabetes and hypertension treatment were obtained from patient records, and information on cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction and stroke events was obtained from national registers.

RESULTS

During the follow-up period, cumulative cardiovascular disease incidence increased significantly with male sex (hazard ratio 1.48, 95% CI 1.21-1.82), number of previous cardiovascular disease events (hazard ratio 1.13, 95% CI 1.08-1.18), age, per year (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.04-1.07), mean fasting blood glucose, per mmol/l (hazard ratio 1.05, 95% CI 1.00-1.10) BMI (hazard ratio 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.06), mean arterial blood pressure, per mmHg (hazard ratio 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03), and decreased significantly with metformin treatment (hazard ratio 0.58, 95% CI 0.38-0.90) and sulfonylurea (hazard ratio 0.73, 95% CI 0.55-0.97). Cumulative myocardial infarction incidence increased significantly with male sex, number of previous myocardial infarction events, mean fasting blood glucose level, BMI, age and mean arterial blood pressure, and decreased with metformin treatment. Cumulative stroke incidence increased with number of previous stroke events, age and mean arterial blood pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

The cumulative incidence of cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction increased with number of previous events and presence of hyperglycaemia and hypertension and decreased with pharmacological treatment of diabetes. A higher number of previous stroke events increased the cumulative incidence of stroke but no protective effect of pharmacological treatment was observed.

Effects of fasting blood glucose, diabetes treatment, blood pressure and anti-hypertension treatment on cardiovascular disease incidence: a 30-year follow-up study of 740 incident patients with Type 2 diabetes

AIMS

To analyse the effects of hyperglycaemia and blood pressure, diabetes and anti-hypertension treatment on total and various types of cardiovascular disease incidence in patients with Type 2 diabetes followed for 30 years.

METHODS

A total of 740 incident patients with Type 2 diabetes were registered at the Laxå Primary Health Care Centre, Sweden between 1972 and 2001. Information on systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure, mean fasting blood glucose, type of diabetes and anti-hypertension treatment was obtained from the patient records, and information on cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction and stroke events from National Registers.

RESULTS

During the follow-up period the cumulative incidence of cardiovascular disease increased significantly with male sex (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.25-1.85), age (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.04-1.07), year of diabetes onset (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05), BMI, (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.07), mean arterial blood pressure (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.05) and number of previous cardiovascular disease events (HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.10-1.21), and decreased significantly with sulfonylurea treatment (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.49-0.84), insulin (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.33-0.98) and calcium channel blocker treatment (HR, 0.69, 95% CI 0.48-0.99). Cumulative incidence of myocardial infarction increased significantly with male sex, age, BMI, mean arterial blood pressure, number of previous myocardial infarction events and diuretic treatment, and decreased with metformin treatment. Cumulative incidence of stroke increased with age, year of diabetes onset, mean arterial blood pressure, and previous number of stroke events.

CONCLUSIONS

Cumulative cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction and incidence of stroke increased with number of previous events and presence of hypertension and decreased with pharmacological anti-diabetic treatment and, to a lesser extent, with anti-hypertension treatment.

Effectiveness of screening for diabetes mellitus in dental health care

AIMS

  The aim of the present study was to test the effectiveness of opportunistic blood glucose screening in a cooperational framework between dental and primary health care.

METHODS

  Altogether, 1568 subjects, age 20-75 years, with no previous history of diabetes, who came for a regular dental examination, had their non-fasting blood glucose measured with a portable blood glucose meter. Subjects with a concentration of ≥ 6.7 mmol/l (121 mg dl(-1) ) were referred to their primary healthcare centre for follow-up. The outcome, a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, was obtained from primary healthcare centre and hospital patient records, during 3 years after screening.

RESULTS

  Of the 155 (9.9%) subjects who screened positive, 139 (89.7%) came to their primary healthcare centre within the 3-year follow-up period and nine (5.8%) were diagnosed as having diabetes mellitus according to the World Health Organization criteria. Of the 1413 subjects who screened negative, 1137 (80.5%) came to the primary healthcare centre and eight (0.6%) were found to have diabetes mellitus. Screening sensitivity was 52.9%, specificity 90.6% and positive predictive value 5.8%. The number of subjects needed to screen to find one case of diabetes was 196. Delineating the study population to those 40- to 75-year-olds with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2) , and 30-to 75-year-olds with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2) , the numbers needed to screen was reduced to 96.

CONCLUSIONS

  Cooperation between dental and primary care for high blood glucose screening and follow-up appears to be a feasible method for early diagnosis of diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus in genetically isolated populations in Jordan: prevalence, awareness, glycemic control, and associated factors

OBJECTIVES

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common non-communicable diseases globally. This study seeks to estimate the prevalence of impaired fasting glycemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus in genetically isolated populations in Jordan: the Circassians and Chechans.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data were analyzed from a cross-sectional study that included a random sample of adult Circassians and Chechans. A subject was defined as affected by diabetes mellitus if diagnosis was known to patient or, according to the American Diabetes Association definition. Impaired fasting glucose was defined as a fasting serum glucose level of ≥6.1 mmol/L (100 mg/dl) but <7 mmol/L. HbA(1c) >7% was defined as 'unsatisfactory' metabolic control.

RESULTS

The prevalence of impaired fasting glycemia was 18.5% for Circassians and 14.6% for Chechans. Prevalence of diabetes was 9.6% for Circassians and 10.1% for Chechans. The prevalence of impaired fasting glycemia and diabetes were significantly higher in men, older age groups, married, subjects of lower educational level, past smokers, and subjects with obesity. Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was the most common abnormality in the two populations.

CONCLUSIONS

The homogenous, genetically isolated Circassian and Chechan populations sharing the same environmental influences suggest a role for genetic risk factors for diabetes. Thus these two populations are suitable for additional genetics studies that may lead to the identification of novel risk factors for type 2 diabetes. In addition, more than half of patients with diabetes were with unsatisfactory control. Therefore, they are likely to benefit from programs encouraging healthy weight and physical activity.

Efficacy of screening for high blood pressure in dental health care

Background

There is consensus on the importance of early detection and treatment of high blood pressure. Dental care is one of few medical services to which a considerable proportion of the general population comes for regular check-ups. We tested the effects of blood pressure screening in dental care centres with subsequent work-up of subjects screening positive in primary health care (PHCC).

Methods

Altogether 1,149 subjects 40-65 years old or 20-39 years old with body mass index >25, and with no previously known hypertension, who came for a dental examination had their blood pressure measured with an Omron M4^® automatic blood pressure reading device. Subjects with systolic blood pressure readings above 160 mmHg or diastolic above 90 mmHg were referred to their PHCC for a check up. Outcome data were obtained by scrutiny of PHCC and hospital patient records for hypertension diagnoses during the three years following screening.

Results

237 (20.6%) subjects screened positive. Of these, 230 (97.1%) came to their PHCC within the 3-year follow-up period, as compared with 695 (76.2%) of those who screened negative (p < 0.0001). Of those who screened positive, 76 (32.1%) received a diagnosis of hypertension, as compared with 26 (2.9%) of those who screened negative. Sensitivity was 79.1%, specificity 84.8% and positive predictive value 30.1%. The number of subjects needed to screen to find one case of hypertension was 18.

Conclusions

Co-operation between dental and primary care for blood pressure screening and work-up appears to be an effective way of detecting previously unknown hypertension.

Drug monitoring in systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To conduct an evidence-based review of the common medication toxicities and strategies and utility of drug toxicity monitoring among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

PubMed and other databases were searched for articles published between the years 1960 and 2010 for keywords referring to medication toxicity or monitoring strategies for 7 drugs commonly used in SLE. All relevant English-language articles were reviewed. Most of the evidence we reviewed comprised studies that addressed the incidence of toxicity-randomized trials that compare different monitoring strategies for these drugs do not exist.

RESULTS

Data to describe the frequency of adverse events and appropriate strategies for screening for these events are scarce. Toxicities do not appear to be substantially more common among patients with SLE compared to other conditions for which these drugs are used.

CONCLUSIONS

Our review demonstrates that the scientific basis for many aspects of drug toxicity monitoring is weak and that most current recommendations are based largely on expert consensus. We present a future research agenda to address these gaps.

Random capillary blood glucose cut points for diabetes and pre-diabetes derived from community-based opportunistic screening in India

OBJECTIVE

To determine random capillary blood glucose (RCBG) cut points that discriminate diabetic and pre-diabetic subjects from normal individuals.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

RCBG was performed in 1,333 individuals randomly chosen from 63,305 individuals who had participated in an opportunistic screening program. An oral glucose tolerance test was also performed by venous plasma glucose on an autoanalyzer. RCBG cut points that discriminate diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) were determined using receiver operating characteristic curves.

RESULTS

Using 2-h plasma glucose >or=200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/l) criterion, the RCBG cut point of 140 mg/dl (7.7 mmol/l) gave the highest sensitivity and specificity. For 2-h plasma glucose >or=200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/l) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) >or=126 mg/dl (7.0 mmol/l) criteria, either 2-h plasma glucose >or=200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/l) or FPG >or=126 mg/dl (7.0 mmol/l) criterion, and the FPG >or=126 mg/dl (7.0 mmol/l) criterion, RCBG cut point was 143 mg/dl (7.9 mmol/l). RCBG cut points for IGT, IFG according to World Health Organization criterion, and IFG according to American Diabetes Association criterion were 119 mg/dl (6.6 mmol/l), 118 mg/dl (6.6 mmol/l), and 113 mg/dl (6.3 mmol/l), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Asian Indians with RCBG >110 mg/dl at screening can be recommended to undergo definitive testing.

Incidence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in adults and children in Kronoberg, Sweden

All newly diagnosed diabetes in Kronoberg during 3 years was registered, with blood samples from 1630/1666 (97.8%) adults. Those positive for GADab and/or ICA and/or C-peptide<0.25nmol/L (0.7%) were classified as type 1 diabetes, the remaining as type 2. Incidence of type 1 in 0-19-year-olds was 37.8(36.1-39.6, 95%CI) and in 20-100 year-olds 27.1(25.6-27.4) per 100 000 and year, it was bimodal with equal peaks in 0-9 year-olds and in 50-80-year-olds. Adults had type 2 incidence 378 (375-380), children 3.1 (2.6-3.6). Among adults 6.9% had type 1 and 93.1% type 2. Among antibodypositive adults (n=101), GADab were present in 90%, ICA in 71%, both GADab and ICA in 61%. Ophthalmology contact as second source was confirmed for 98%. There were no gender differences in type 1 in any age group, small ones in pediatric subgroups. In type 2 men predominated in ages above 40 years. Incidences of type 1 diabetes in both children and adults were very high and as high above age 50 years as in children. Incidence of type 2 was the highest reported from Sweden, to which new diagnostic criteria, a high degree of case-finding, and many elders, may have contributed, but results may also reflect a true increase in incidence of both types of diabetes.

An increase in prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Jordan over 10 years

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and impaired fasting glycemia (IFG), identify their associated factors, determine how the prevalence of type 2 DM has changed over 10 years, and assess the awareness and state of control of diabetes in Jordan.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from a cross-sectional study that included a random sample of 1121 Jordanians aged 25 years and above. A subject was deemed affected by DM if this diagnosis was known to the patient or if his or her condition complies with the American Diabetes Association definition. IFG was defined as a fasting serum glucose level of >or=6.1 mmol/l (110 mg/dl) but <7 mmol/l. HbA(1c) >7.5% was defined as "unsatisfactory" metabolic control.

RESULTS

The age-standardized prevalence of diabetes and IFG was 17.1% and 7.8%, respectively, with no significant differences between women and men. Of the 195 diabetic subjects, 146 (74.9%) had been previously diagnosed. More than half (54%) of those previously diagnosed were found to be with unsatisfactory glycemic control. Compared to the 1994 survey, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of diabetes by 31.5%. Increase in age, increase in body mass index, and having a family history of diabetes were associated with increased odds of diabetes and IFG. While the level of education had no effect on IFG, higher level of education was associated with a decrease in the odds of having diabetes.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes and IFG is high in Jordan and is increasing. More than half of the patients with diabetes have unsatisfactory control. Therefore, they are likely to benefit from programs aimed at encouraging behaviors toward achieving optimum weight as well as physical activity behaviors. Physicians caring for patients with diabetes may need to adopt a more vigorous approach for diabetes control.

Predictors of successful, self-reported lifestyle changes in a defined middle-aged population: the Soderakra Cardiovascular Risk Factor Study, Sweden

AIMS

It is well established that the main cause of the development of cardiovascular disease can be found in unhealthy lifestyle habits. In our study, we wanted to explore the long-term predictors of self-reported lifestyle changes in a middle-aged population after screening for cardiovascular risk factors 10 years earlier.

METHODS

We conducted a 10-year follow-up telephone interview on self-reported lifestyle changes in a rural population in south-eastern Sweden, after a cardiovascular screening programme. The population comprised 90% of all inhabitants (n=705) aged 40-59 years at baseline, and 90% of these (n=629) were reached for the telephone interview.

RESULTS

When multivariate logistic regression was used, a higher success rate for lifestyle changes was independently associated with female gender (odds ratio (OR)=1.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-2.18). When stratified for gender, significant predictors for success in men were prevalent cardiovascular risk conditions (OR=4.77, 95% CI 2.18-10.5; p<0.001) and previous myocardial infarction (OR=22.8, 95% CI 4.73-110; p<0.001) at baseline. For women, elevated blood pressure (> or = 160 and/or > or = 90 mmHg) measured at baseline (OR=1.84, 95% CI 1.12-3.02; p=0.016) was significantly associated with successful lifestyle changes. Smoking at baseline was also associated with significant success: OR=3.36 (95% CI:2.05-5.51; p<0.001) and OR=1.81 (95% CI 1.11-2.95; p=0.017) for men and women, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Female gender was associated with significant improvements in self-reported lifestyle changes. Furthermore, smoking, a medical history of diabetes, hypertension, angina pectoris or myocardial infarction at baseline predicted success in lifestyle change in this 10-year follow-up study.

Prevalence and incidence rate of diabetes mellitus in a Swedish community during 30 years of follow-up

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Increasing diabetes prevalence has been reported in most European countries in the last 20 years. In this study we report on the development of prevalence and incidence of diabetes from 1972 to 2001 in Laxå, a rural community in central Sweden.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A diabetes register was established at the primary healthcare centre (PHCC) in Laxå, beginning in 1972 and based on data from clinical records at the PHCC, nearby hospitals and private practitioners in the area. In addition, case-finding procedures involving 85% of the residents aged 35 to 79 years old was performed from 1983 onwards.

RESULTS

During the study period a total of 776 new diabetes cases was found, 36 type 1 diabetes mellitus and 740 type 2 diabetes mellitus. The age-standardised incidence rates for type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus were 0.15 and 3.03 cases per 1,000 population, respectively. No increase in incidence over time was detected for either forms of diabetes. Age-standardised prevalence for women and men increased from 28.3 and 25.9, respectively, per 1,000 in 1972 to 45 and 46.3 per 1,000 in 1988 (p < 0.0001), thereafter falling to a mean of 43.5 per 1,000 for women, while men had a mean of 44.9 per 1,000 for the rest of the study period.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Laxå is high, but has not increased during the last 13 years. The incidence rate was relatively stable over the whole 30-year period.

Visual acuity in a population with regular screening for type 2 diabetes mellitus and eye disease

PURPOSE

Regular screening for both diabetes mellitus and diabetic eye disease should be the gold standard in preventing diabetic blindness. In the community of Laxå, County of Orebro, Sweden, such screening has been carried out since 1983. We evaluate visual impairment and blindness in this population.

METHODS

All persons in the community of Laxå with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 276) participated in the study. An age- and gender-matched control group (n = 259) was assembled. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was tested in all participants, and a detailed eye examination performed by an ophthalmologist.

RESULTS

No significant statistical differences were seen between the diabetes and control groups regarding visual acuity (VA). In all, 2.9% of the diabetes patients and 1.2% of the controls had BCVA < or = 0.1. Only one person in the diabetes group was blind as a result of diabetic retinopathy. In both groups the leading cause of blindness was age-related macular degeneration. In a logistic regression analysis we found that in both the diabetes and the control populations, increasing age was related to worsening BCVA (odds ratio [OR] 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10-1.16 versus OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.13-1.19), as was female gender in the diabetes group only (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.69-4.40).

CONCLUSIONS

In a population that is carefully screened for diabetes mellitus and provided with regular screening for diabetic retinopathy, the loss of vision from diabetic retinopathy is uncommon.

Opportunistic screening for diabetes in routine clinical practice

OBJECTIVE

Since 1997, the American Diabetes Association has recommended that nondiabetic individuals >/=45 years of age be screened for diabetes at least every 3 years. We sought to characterize the frequency, methods, and results of diabetes screening in routine clinical practice.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied opportunistic screening in nondiabetic members of a health maintenance organization >/=45 years of age who were assigned to a large, integrated, academic health care delivery system. Screening was defined as the first glucose, HbA(1c), or oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) performed between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2000. Chart review was performed to determine the prevalence of diabetes risk factors and to describe follow-up.

RESULTS

Of 8,286 nondiabetic patients >/=45 years of age, 69% (n = 5,752) were screened. The frequency of screening was greater in patients with one or more primary care visits and increased with age. Women were more likely to be screened than men, and patients with at least one diabetes risk factor were more likely to be screened than those without risk factors. Random plasma glucose was the most common screening test (95%). Four percent (n = 202) of those screened had abnormal results. Only 38% (n = 77) of those with abnormal results received appropriate follow-up, and 17% (n = 35) were diagnosed with diabetes within 6 months of screening. The yield of screening was very low (0.6%, 35 of 5,752).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite frequent screening and appropriate targeting of high-risk patients, follow-up of patients with abnormal results is uncommon and the yield of screening is low. Interventions are needed to help physicians recognize and provide appropriate follow-up for patients with potentially abnormal random glucose levels.

Screening for diabetes in general practice

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is rising rapidly worldwide. Evidence suggests that between one third and one half of cases are undiagnosed and patients may have preclinical disease for as long as 12 years. At diagnosis, 50% of patients have microvascular complications (retinopathy, neuropathy, or nephropathy) and patients have twice the risk of macrovascular disease compared to the background population. Screening for type 2 diabetes would allow earlier recognition of cases, with the potential to intervene earlier in the disease course, but whether this would result in improved long-term outcomes is unknown. The debate continues about who should be considered for screening, how we should screen, and whether we should screen for diabetes at all. The authors review the evidence, particularly in light of the recent position statement on diabetes screening published by the American Diabetes Association. If we do start screening for diabetes, one of the major challenges ahead is to ensure resources are in place to allow optimization of treatment for the increasing number of patients. This is important both in those found to have diabetes and in those with lesser degrees of glucose intolerance who are at high risk of developing diabetes and are at increased risk of macrovascular disease.

Hypertension in diabetes: trends in clinical control in repeated large-scale national surveys from Sweden

Hypertension in diabetes is an important and treatable cardiovascular risk factor. Treatment targets from guidelines cannot always be achieved in everyday clinical practice. It is therefore of great importance to monitor trends in hypertension control in defined populations. Patients with type I diabetes (range 6685-10,100; treated hypertension 21-29%) or with type II diabetes (range 15,935-22,605; treated hypertension 47-56%) were included in four national samples between 1996 and 1999. This screening was part of the procedures for the National Diabetes Register in Sweden, which monitors trends in clinical practice and risk factors for patients with diabetes, recruited both in primary health care and at the hospital level. A favourable trend in mean and median blood pressure levels was noticed during the 4-year study period, based either on data from repeated surveys or on repeated measures in the same individual, both for type I diabetes (mean: -2/-2 mmHg; P < 0.01) and for type II diabetes (mean: -5/-3 mmHg; P < 0.001). Correspondingly, the proportion of hypertensive patients in acceptable control of blood pressure (< or =140/85 mmHg) increased (P < 0.001) both in type I diabetes (52.0-57.9%) and in type II diabetes (22.4-33.3%). It was concluded that hypertension is a widespread cardiovascular risk factor in patients with diabetes, especially systolic hypertension. A trend for a better systolic blood pressure control during the late 1990s in hypertensive patients with type II diabetes in Sweden could translate into substantial (estimated) clinical benefits in cardiovascular and diabetes-related morbidity. The National Diabetes Register makes a quality assessment of the hypertension treatment possible.

Risk of new-onset diabetes in the Losartan Intervention For Endpoint reduction in hypertension study

BACKGROUND

There has been uncertainty about the risk of new-onset diabetes in hypertensive individuals treated with different blood pressure-decreasing drugs.

OBJECTIVES

To study this risk in hypertensive individuals who were at risk of developing diabetes mellitus in the Losartan Intervention For Endpoint reduction in hypertension (LIFE) study.

METHODS

In the LIFE study, with a double-masked, randomized, parallel-group design, 9193 patients (46% men) with hypertension (mean age 67 years, average pressure 174/98 mmHg after placebo run-in) and electrocardiogram-documented left ventricular hypertrophy were randomly assigned to once-daily losartan- or atenolol-based antihypertensive treatment and followed for at least 4 years (mean 4.8 years). At baseline, 7998 patients did not have diabetes mellitus and were thus at risk of developing this condition during the study. To demonstrate ability to predict new-onset diabetes, we developed a prediction score using the significant variables from multivariate analyses (serum glucose, body mass index, serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure and history of prior use of antihypertensive drugs).

RESULTS

There was a steadily increasing risk of diabetes with increasing level-of-risk score; patients in the highest quartile were at considerably greater risk than those in the three lower ones. Treatment with losartan was associated with lower risk of development of diabetes within each of the four quartiles of the risk score. As previously reported, new-onset diabetes mellitus occurred in 242 patients receiving losartan (13.0 per 1000 person-years) and 320 receiving atenolol (17.5 per 1000 person-years); relative risk 0.75 (95% confidence interval 0.63 to 0.88; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

New-onset diabetes could be strongly predicted by a newly developed risk score using baseline serum glucose concentration (non-fasting), body mass index, serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration, systolic blood pressure and history of prior use of antihypertensive drugs. Independently of these risk factors, fewer hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy developed diabetes mellitus if they were treated with losartan than if they were treated with atenolol.

Social network and role demands in women's Type 2 diabetes: a model

Type 2 diabetes is a common chronic disease in middle-aged and older women. The social network, although an important source of support, can place conflicting demands on women who cope with a chronic disorder. Because this paradoxical situation can be a burden for many women a model was constructed to systematically investigate social network demands in women's Type 2 diabetes. In developing the model, network theory provided the framework and an extensive literature review determined which network components should be included. Material from our individual and focus group interviews was used to clarify the model. Traditional gender roles in the home, obligation profiles at the workplace, cultural expectations on women's bodies, and prejudice about the psychological etiology of women's diseases in health care, could all contribute to women's experiencing role conflict in their daily diabetes management. To systematically investigate potential deterrents to women's self-care, questions that address the different components of women's social networks are proposed.

Performance of recommended screening tests for undiagnosed diabetes and dysglycemia

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the performance, in settings typical of opportunistic and community screening programs, of screening tests currently recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for detecting undiagnosed diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Volunteers aged > or =20 years without previously diagnosed diabetes (n = 1,471) completed a brief questionnaire and underwent recording of postprandial time and measurement of capillary blood glucose (CBG) with a portable sensor. Participants subsequently underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test; fasting serum glucose (FSG) and 2-h postload serum glucose (2-h SG) concentrations were measured. The screening tests we studied included the ADA risk assessment questionnaire, the recommended CBG cut point of 140 mg/dl, and an alternative CBG cut point of 120 mg/dl. Each screening test was evaluated against several diagnostic criteria for diabetes (FSG > or =126 mg/dl, 2-h SG > or =200 mg/dl, or either) and dysglycemia (FSG > or =110 mg/dl, 2-h SG > or =140 mg/dl, or either).

RESULTS

Among all participants, 10.7% had undiagnosed diabetes (FSG > or =126 or 2-h SG > or =200 mg/dl), 52.1% had a positive result on the questionnaire, 9.5% had CBG > or =140 mg/dl, and 18.4% had CBG > or =120 mg/dl. The questionnaire was 72-78% sensitive and 50-51% specific for the three diabetes diagnostic criteria; CBG > or =140 mg/dl was 56-65% sensitive and 95-96% specific, and CBG > or =120 mg/dl was 75-84% sensitive and 86-90% specific. CBG > or =120 mg/dl was 44-62% sensitive and 89-90% specific for dysglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Low specificity may limit the usefulness of the ADA questionnaire. Lowering the cut point for a casual CBG test (e.g., to 120 mg/dl) may improve sensitivity and still provide adequate specificity.

Prediction of diabetes with body mass index, oral glucose tolerance test and islet cell autoantibodies in a regional population

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to test the hypothesis that a combination of markers for Type 1 diabetes (glutamate decarboxylase and IA-2 autoantibodies) and for Type 2 diabetes [oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and body mass index (BMI)], would predict clinical diabetes in a regional population.

DESIGN

A population-based follow-up cohort study.

SETTING

Participants visited the primary health care centre in Lycksele, Sweden in 1988-92.

PARTICIPANTS

A cohort of 2278 subjects (M/F 1149/1129) who were studied at follow-up in 1998. At base line there were 2314 subjects (M/F 1167/1147) who participated in the Västerbotten Intervention Program on their birthday when turning either 30, 40, 50 or 60 years of age. Main outcome measurements. A clinically diagnosed diabetes at follow-up when the medical records were reviewed for diagnosis of diabetes. At base line, the participants were subjected to a standard OGTT and their BMI determined along with the autoantibodies.

RESULTS

At follow-up, 42/2278 (1.8%, 95% CI 1.2-2.3) (M/F 23/19) had developed diabetes: 41 subjects were clinically classified with Type 2 and one with Type 1 diabetes. There was no significant relation between autoantibody levels at base line and diabetes at follow-up. Stepwise multiple logistic regression showed that the odds ratio for developing diabetes was 10.8 (95% CI 6.3-18.9) in subjects in the fourth quartile of BMI (BMI > 27) compared with 7.8 (95% CI 4.8-12.6) in the fourth quartile of 2-h plasma glucose (>7.5 mmol L(-1)) and 7.2 (95% CI 4.8-11.4) in the fourth quartile of the fasting plasma glucose (>5.6 mmol L(-1)).

CONCLUSION

Islet cell autoantibodies did not predict diabetes at follow-up. BMI measured at base line was as effective as 2-h plasma glucose and fasting plasma glucose to predict diabetes in this adult population.

Diabetes risk score: towards earlier detection of type 2 diabetes in general practice

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes is common, costly and often goes unrecognised for many years. When patients are diagnosed, the majority exhibit associated tissue damage or established cardiovascular risk. Evidence is accumulating that earlier detection and management of diabetes and related metabolic abnormalities may be beneficial. We aimed to develop and evaluate a score based on routinely collected information to identify people at risk of having undetected diabetes.

METHODS

A population-based sample of 1077 people, aged 40 to 64 years, without known diabetes, from a single Cambridgeshire general practice, underwent clinical assessment including an oral glucose tolerance test. In a separate 12-month study, 41 practices in southern England reported clinical details of patients aged 40 to 64 years with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes. A notional population was created by random selection and pooling of half of each dataset. Data were entered into a regression model to produce a formula predicting the risk of diabetes. The performance of this risk score in detecting diabetes was tested in an independent, randomly selected, population-based sample.

RESULTS

Age, gender, body mass index, steroid and antihypertensive medication, family and smoking history contributed to the score. In the test population at 72% specificity, the sensitivity of the score was 77% and likelihood ratio 2.76. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was 80%.

CONCLUSIONS

A simple score, using only data that are routinely collected in general practice, can help identify those at risk of diabetes. This score could contribute to efficient earlier detection through case-finding or targeted screening.

Is there a role for glycosuria testing in sub-Saharan Africa?

BACKGROUND

With increasing urbanization and westernization, rates of diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA) are likely to rise. Early detection and intervention plays an important role in delaying development of complications. In sSA in particular there is need for an affordable, reliable, safe, feasible test to avert human suffering and exhausting already stressed health facilities.

METHODS

Data from two large community-based studies were used to assess the value of glycosuria testing in the detection of diabetes in adults in a sub-Saharan country. A first study (A) tested participants for glycosuria by dipstick; if positive, fasting capillary glucose was measured. A later study (B) measured glucose concentration in venous blood 2 h after a 75-g glucose load; if glycaemia was > or = 10 mmol/l, urine was tested for glycosuria.

RESULTS

The positive predictive value of glycosuria for a diagnosis of diabetes (fasting glucose > or = 6.7 mmol/l) was 48%. Sensitivity was 64% (57% if a 2-h-value > or = 10 mmol/l was used as gold standard). Sensitivity was higher among overweight and/or hypertensive subjects, among elderly people in the urban area, and among subjects with higher blood glucose levels. Extrapolated specificity was 99.7%, and the likelihood ratio 190.

CONCLUSIONS

Glycosuria testing can identify a considerable number of undiagnosed diabetic patients when specially targeted at high-risk groups (obese, hypertensive, or elderly people). Dipstick glycosuria testing is an appropriate, safe, feasible test for sSA, where the prevalence of diabetes is expected to increase considerably in the near future.

Management of newly diagnosed non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in the primary care setting: effects of 2 years of gliclazide treatment--the Diadem Study

Five thousand five hundred seventy-two newly diagnosed non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients (3,225 men and 2,347 women; mean age, 58.5 years) were recruited through the General Practitioners (GPs) network in France. All had persistent hyperglycemia after a preliminary 3-month period with dietary and life-style modification. Gliclazide (80 to 320 mg/d) was then prescribed as diabetic pharmacotherapy for 2 years. Additional therapy for hypertension and dyslipidemia was started if necessary. The aim of the study was mainly to determine the feasibility of a GP-directed protocol for the monitoring and treatment of newly diagnosed NIDDM patients, and to assess the effectiveness of diabetic therapy in this cohort. Diabetes was diagnosed in 78% of the cohort during routine screening. Among the women, 6.5% had a history of gestational diabetes. Eighteen percent of the patients had a parental history of diabetes, and the dominant maternal role in the genesis of NIDDM was confirmed. High blood pressure (Joint National Committee V criteria) was found at inclusion in 38.8% of the whole cohort. Hyperlipidemia was known in 44.6%. A history of stroke was present in 1.6% of the patients, and coronary heart disease (CHD) in 6.3%. These data support the relationship between the atherogenic state and development of NIDDM. Microalbuminuria defined as urinary albumin excretion (UAE) of at least 20 mg/L was found in 29.6% of the patients, and retinopathy in 9.8%. Among the included patients, 23% did not complete the study and were excluded from the efficacy analysis. Of these, 14% (808 patients) had only baseline evaluation data and 9% (499 patients) withdrew later. Comparison of mean baseline and final results in study completers uncovered a significant improvement in fasting blood glucose ([FBG] 182 +/- 48 v 137 +/- 40 mg/dL), post prandial blood glucose ([PPBG] 209 +/- 68 v 162 +/- 52 mg/dL), and hemoglobin A1c ([HbA1c] 8.7% +/- 2.5% v 7.3% +/- 2.0%). A slight improvement in total cholesterol (228 +/- 44 v 222 +/- 41 mg/dL), body mass index ([BMI] 28.5 +/- 4.7 v 27.9 +/- 4.5 kg/m2), and waist to hip ratio (0.99 +/- 0.1 v 0.98 +/- 0.1) was observed. There was a decrease in the percentage of patients with high blood pressure (38.5% v 30.7%). A mild increase in the prevalence of retinopathy (10.2% v 11.8%) was noted during the study, while the incidence of microalbuminuria remained unchanged (30.2% v 29.5%). In conclusion, the data indicate that the GPs involved in this study were able to successfully monitor and manage NIDDM patients in accordance with a standardized protocol. Gliclazide appeared to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment. The high prevalence of chronic diabetic complications at diagnosis emphasizes the delay encountered in reaching the diagnosis of NIDDM and the problems associated with this delay. In addition to the classic risk factors for NIDDM exhibited in this patient cohort, we have identified CHD and a maternal genetic component as further potential predicting factors.

Associations with retinopathy in type 2 diabetes: a population-based study in a Swedish rural area

This population-based study was carried out in a rural area in Sweden. The impact of duration of diabetes, metabolic control, albuminuria, and mode of detection (screening or presence of overt symptoms at the time of diagnosis) on retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes aged under 70 years was investigated at a primary health care centre. Ninety-nine percent of all known persons with Type 2 diabetes were under care at the centre. The fundi were examined in all but one of those under 70 years, and a 100% attendance rate was noted with regard to other variables such as albuminuria, glycated haemoglobin, and blood lipids. A team approach (general practitioner, nurse specialist, dietitian, and chiropodist) with patient education as an integral part of the treatment has been practised for the past 15 years. Retinopathy was associated with duration of disease, glycaemic control, systolic blood pressure, detection by overt symptoms, and albuminuria. The risk of retinopathy was not associated with smoking or treatment category. The prevalence of retinopathy was 26.5% in the whole population, and 18.8% among the patients who had been treated for their diabetes at the centre from the time of diagnosis. The importance of an appropriate organization in primary health care for early case finding, near-normal glycaemia, team approach, and structured collaboration with a department of ophthalmology is emphasized in order to realize the aims of the St Vincent declaration to reduce eye complications due to Type 2 diabetes.

The value of death certification statistics in measuring mortality in persons with diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To study how often deceased diabetic patients have a diagnosis of diabetes on the death certificate and to study factors related to this circumstance.

DESIGN

A community-based clinical diabetes register was checked against death certificate data.

SETTING AND SUBJECTS

Diabetic subjects in the community of Laxå, Sweden, during 1972-1986.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Recording of diabetes on the death certificate.

RESULTS

Diabetes was recorded on the death certificate in 57% of all known diabetic subjects (men 48% and women 67%, p < 0.05). It was registered significantly more often in females, when there had been insulin treatment, and when an autopsy was not the basis for the certification of cause of death.

CONCLUSION

The population with diabetes recorded on the death certificate is not representative of the actual population who die with the disease. In this study the presence of diabetes was underestimated by half for men and by a third for women.