Prevalence and awareness of diabetes and mean fasting glucose by age, sex, and region: results from the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan, 1993-1996

Aims The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and awareness of diabetes mellitus (DM) in Taiwan. Methods The Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan for people aged greater than or equal to4 years was conducted between 1993 and 1996, using a multistaged, stratified, and clustered sampling scheme. Results The prevalence of DM, defined by fasting whole blood glucose greater than or equal to6.1 mmol/l or diagnosed DM subjects taking hypoglycaemic drugs, was 3.7% in men greater than or equal to19 years and 6.3% in women. Corresponding to age groups 19-44, 45-64 and greater than or equal to65 years, the prevalence was 1.5%, 7.9% and 7.8% in men and 0.5%, 12.3% and 19.6% in women, respectively. People in mountainous areas and in Peng-Hu islands had the highest prevalence, but the lowest awareness rates among seven survey strata (regions). Women from metropolitan cities had the lowest DM prevalence and body mass index (BMI) values, but the highest rate of DM awareness among all strata. This phenomenon was not apparent in men. The age, sex, and regional patterns of DM prevalence were consistent with those of BMI. Conclusions The prevalence of DM in Taiwan in 1993-1996 was relatively high, given a mean BMI of 23 kg/m(2) in adults. Gender and regional differences were apparent in DM prevalence and awareness and in mean BMI.