Changes in age at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the United States, 1988 to 2000

• Published in: Annals of family medicine Vol. 3; no. 1; pp. 60 - 63
• Main Authors: Koopman, Richelle J, Mainous, 3rd, Arch G, Diaz, Vanessa A, Geesey, Mark E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Copyright 2005 Annals of Family Medicine, Inc 01.01.2005
• Subjects: Age Factors; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - diagnosis; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - epidemiology; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Original Research; United States; United States
• ISSN: 1544-1709; 1544-1717
• DOI: 10.1370/afm.214

The prevalence of diabetes in the United States is increasing. There is also concern that diabetes may be occurring at a greater frequency in youth and in young adults. We describe US population trends in self-reported age at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. We undertook a secondary analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2000 and NHANES III (1988-1994). Both surveys are stratified, multistage probability samples targeting the civilian, noninstitutionalized US population, which allow calculation of population estimates. We included adults aged 20 years and older. We compared self-reported age at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes between the 2 survey periods. The mean age at diagnosis decreased from 52.0 to 46.0 years (P <.05). Racial and ethnic differences in age at diagnosis found in 1988 to 1994 are no longer found in 1999 to 2000. The age at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus has decreased with time. This finding likely represents a combination of changing diagnostic criteria, improved physician recognition of diabetes, and increased public awareness. Younger age at diagnosis may also reflect a true population trend of earlier onset of type 2 diabetes.