Prevalence of diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus in the French general population: the INSTANT study.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence of diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus in the French general population. Secondary objectives were to evaluate treatments and diabetic complications.


METHODS
In this cross-sectional epidemiological survey, a representative sample of the French adult population was selected using a stratified quota method: 10,038 individuals were evaluated by a standardized face-to-face interview. The diagnosis of type 2 diabetes was determined on the basis of replies to six questions using a specific algorithm. Data were collected on risk factors, diabetes history, familial antecedents and diabetic complications. These patients also identified their treatments from an exhaustive list.


RESULTS
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes was 5.08% in men and 4.11% in women, and rose progressively after the age of 50. Of these, 79 patients (13.4%) received no pharmacological treatment, 477 (80.9%) were taking an oral antidiabetic drug and 134 (22.7%) were taking insulin. Renal and ocular complications were reported by 6.8% and 21.0%, respectively, of the patients. Also, 10.4% had been hospitalized at some time of that year for a diabetes-related problem. The most frequently reported treatments were metformin and sulphonylureas, used by more than 50% of the patients. In addition, 380 patients (65.9%) claimed to be following a diet and 228 (39.2%) were consulting a dietitian.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of treated and untreated type 2 diabetes mellitus in France was 4.57%.
Bringer
J
J
Service des maladies endocriniennes, hôpital Lapeyronie, 34295 Montpellier, France.
Fontaine
P
P
Detournay
B
B
Nachit-Ouinekh
F
F
Brami
G
G
Eschwege
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015897:Comorbidity / Q000639:trends; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics; D003928:Diabetic Nephropathies / Q000453:epidemiology; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000453:epidemiology; D003927:Diet, Diabetic; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult