Trends in the prevalence and incidence of diabetes in the UK: 1996-2005.
BACKGROUND
To estimate the incidence and prevalence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in the UK general population from 1996 to 2005.


METHODS
Using the Health Improvement Network database, patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes were identified who were 10-79 years old between 1996 and 2005. Prevalent cases (n = 49 999) were separated from incident cases (n = 42 642; type 1 = 1256, type 2 = 41 386). Data were collected on treatment patterns in incident cases, and on body mass index in prevalent and incident cases.


RESULTS
Diabetes prevalence increased from 2.8% in 1996 to 4.3% in 2005. The incidence of diabetes in the UK increased from 2.71 (2.58-2.85)/1000 person-years in 1996 to 4.42 (4.32-4.53)/1000 person-years in 2005. The incidence of type 1 diabetes remained relatively constant throughout the study period; however, the incidence of type 2 diabetes increased from 2.60 (2.47-2.74)/1000 person-years in 1996 to 4.31 (4.21-4.42)/1000 person-years in 2005. Between 1996 and 2005, the proportion of individuals newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who were obese increased from 46% to 56%. Treatment with metformin increased across the study period, while treatment with sulphonylureas decreased.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes have increased in the UK over the past decade. This might be primarily explained by the changes in obesity prevalence. Also, there was a change in drug treatment pattern from sulphonylureas to metformin.
González
E L Massó
EL
Spanish Centre for Pharmacoepidemiological Research, Almirante 28, Madrid, Spain. elviraceife@telefonica.net
Johansson
S
S
Wallander
M-A
MA
Rodríguez
L A García
LA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017678:Sex Distribution; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents