Prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Paionia county, according to previous and recent W.H.O. criteria

• Published in: Diabetologie und Stoffwechsel
• Main Authors: Patiakas, S, Gavala, C, Kiriakopoulos, N, Akritopoulou, K, Akritopoulos, P, Aggos, I, Xiropulou, E, Georgantis, H
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: 12.07.2007
• ISSN: 1861-9002; 1861-9010
• DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-984779

Purpose: To evaluate: 1) the frequency of diabetes mellitus (D.M.) in the population of Paionia, 2) the impact of the new W.H.O. criteria for diagnosis of D.M. in the incedence determined. Materials – methods: A random sample of 4727 individuals, aged 30 to 85 (were examined) for D.M. in our Microbiology Laboratory in the year's 2005–2006. Fasting serum glucose levels were determined with the hexokinase method, using the TARGA 3000 biochemical analyzer (Menarini Diagnostics). According to recent W.H.O. guidelines, to diagnose D.M., fasting serum glucose levels should be above 126mg%. previous W.H.O. guidelines had suggested diagnostic levels above 140mg%. Results: The results are summarised in the following table. Samples with serum glucose >126mg% Samples with serum glucose >140mg% N=465 n=360 9.8% 7.6% 89 patients ( 1.9 % of samples) had intermediate levels. This implies that the recent W.H.O. criteria have lead to an almost 2% increase in the estimated frequency of diabetes mellitus in the general population. Moreover, implementation of the recent criteria allow for an increase in the sensitivity of D.M. screening by means of serum glucose determination by 20.4%. Conclusions: The following conclusions can be made: 1)There is a significant disproportion between the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the population of Paionia (7.2–9%) and the prevalence mentioned in the international literature (2–4%). Genetic and/or enviromental factors (notably nutrition) may be responsible for this. Future research should further clarify the reasons for this increased levels. 2) Almost 2% of the population have intermediate serum glucose levels (between 126 and 140mg%). Implementation of the recent diagnostic criteria increased the sensitivity of serum glucose screening by approximately 20%. Earlier diagnosis consequently allows more patients to follow earlier treatment, thus favorably affecting the course and prognosis of the disease. 3) These data strongly emphasize the serious social and financial consequences of diabetes mellitus and the need for regular screening of the general population.