Effect of the application of the new diagnostic criteria of diabetes mellitus in the prevalence estimates and diagnostic level in the general population

Abstract

Background: The objective was to study the effect of the application of the new diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus on its prevalence in Galicia (northwest Spain). Methods: Analysis using 'old' and 'new' criteria (diabetes under treatment and/or fasting glycaemia ≥140 mg/dl or ≥126 mg/dl respectively) was performed in a cross-sectional study (1,275 participants) in the general population aged 40-69 years. Results: Prevalence of diabetes rose from 7.5 (95% CI: 6.1-9.1) to 10.4% (95% CI: 8.8-12.2) with the new criteria. The proportion of non diagnosed diabetes rose from 22.2 to 37.8%. Conclusions: The new diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus make it necessary to increase previous prevalence estimates by 30-35% in middle age (40-69 years).