The public health burden of diabetes: a comprehensive review.
The review of several diabetes epidemiological studies confirms that diabetes is one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases globally, and it is the fourth or fifth leading cause of death in most developed countries. Diabetes prevalence ranges from nearly 0% in New Guinea to 50% in the Indians of Arizona. No modifiable risk factors have been clearly established in persons with type 1 diabetes, but major environmental determinants have been suggested. Impaired glucose tolerance, gestational diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity and lack of physical activity have been consistently identified as risk factors for type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes increases with age, but a sex-specific tendency has not been consistent. In addition, the prevalence of diabetes is higher in African-Americans and Hispanics when compared to other ethnic groups. Diabetes affects almost all organs of the body and is the leading cause of blindness and amputations of legs, imposing both clinical and economic costs to patients and society.
Disdier-Flores
O M
OM
Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, PO Box 365067, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00936-5067. Odisdier@rcm.upr.edu
Rodríguez-Lugo
L A
LA
Pérez-Perdomo
R
R
Pérez-Cardona
C M
CM
D017281:Cost of Illness; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D011634:Public Health; D012307:Risk Factors