Diabetes trends in the U.S.: 1990-1998.
OBJECTIVE
To examine trends in diabetes prevalence in the U.S.


METHODS
This study was conducted via telephone surveys in states that participated in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System between 1990 and 1998. The participants consisted of noninstitutionalized adults aged 18 years or older. The main outcome measure was self-reported 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 ethnic groups, all education levels, and nearly all states. Changes in prevalence varied by state. The prevalence of diabetes was highly correlated with the prevalence of obesity (r = 0.64, P<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of diabetes continues to increase rapidly in the U.S. Because the prevalence of obesity is also rising, diabetes will become even more common. Major efforts are needed to alter these trends.
Mokdad
A H
AH
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. ahm1@cdc.gov
Ford
E S
ES
Bowman
B A
BA
Nelson
D E
DE
Engelgau
M M
MM
Vinicor
F
F
Marks
J S
JS
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001835:Body Weight; D003710:Demography; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity; D044469:Racial Groups; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology