Identification of coronary heart disease in asymptomatic individuals with diabetes mellitus: to screen or not to screen / Identificación de enfermedad cardiaca coronaria en individuos asintomáticos con diabetes mellitus: Tamizar o no tamizar

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is highly prevalent in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), and remains the single most common cause of death among this population. Regrettably, a significant percentage of diabetics fail to perceive the classic symptoms associated with myocardial ischemia. Among asymptomatic diabetics, the prevalence of abnormal cardiac testing appears to be high, raging between 10% and 62%, and mortality is significantly higher in those with abnormal scans. Hence, the potential use of screening for CHD detection among asymptomatic DM individuals is appealing and has been recommended in certain circumstances. However, it was not until recently, that this question was addressed in clinical trials. Two studies randomized a total of 2,023 asymptomatic diabetics to screening or not using cardiac imaging with a mean follow up of 4.4 ±1.4 yrs. In combination, both trials showed lower than expected annual event rates, and failed to reduce major cardiovascular events in the screened group compared to the standard of care alone. The results of these trials do not currently support the use of screening tools for CHD detection in asymptomatic DM individuals. However, these studies have important limitations, and potential explanations for their negative results that are discussed in this manuscript.

La enfermedad de la arterias coronarias (EAC) es muy prevalente en pacientes con diabetes mellitus (DM), y continúa siendo la principal causa de muerte en estos pacientes. Desafortunadamente, muchos diabéticos pueden carecer de síntomas de alerta en la presencia de isquemia miocárdica, por lo cual el diagnóstico de EAC puede ocurrir de manera tardía. Estudios observacionales han sugerido que la prevalencia de isquemia miocárdica puede ser alta en diabéticos asintomáticos (10 al 62% según la serie) y la mortalidad es mayor en esos pacientes. Por esto, el uso de pruebas para detección de EAC en el paciente diabético asintomático parece atractivo y es recomendado en ciertas circunstancias. Sin embargo, no fue si no hasta hace poco que dos estudios investigaron el verdadero rol de estas pruebas de manera randomizada. En conjunto, 2,023 pacientes diabéticos asintomáticos fueron aleatorizados a recibir o no una prueba para detección de EAC y fueron seguidos en promedio por 4.4 ±1.4 años. Al final de seguimiento, ambos estudios mostraron menos eventos cardiovasculares de los esperados, y el uso de pruebas para detección de EAC no redujo la tasa de eventos cardiovasculares comparado al no uso de estas pruebas. Los resultados de estos ensayos clínicos no soportan actualmente el uso de estas pruebas en el paciente diabético asintomático. Sin embargo, estos estudios tienen limitaciones importantes, y posibles hipótesis para explicar los resultados que son discutidas en el artículo.

Efecto de cohorte al nacer sobre la prevalencia de factores de riesgo asociados a enfermedad coronaria en un país latinoamericano / Birth cohort effect on prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in coronary artery disease. Experience in a Latin-american country

Antecedentes: La prevalencia de los factores de riesgo tradicionales asociados a enfermedad coronaria ha cambiado con el tiempo. En la actualidad se ha aumentado la frecuencia de dislipidemia, hipertensión y diabetes mellitus, pero disminuido la de tabaquismo. El efecto de cohorte al nacer en sujetos con enfermedad coronaria como aproximación de la verdadera prevalencia en el tiempo no se ha estudiado en Latinoamérica. Objetivo: Determinar la tendencia temporal de la prevalencia de factores de riesgo tradicionales para enfermedad coronaria por efecto de cohorte al nacer en una población de alto riesgo. Métodos: En pacientes con enfermedad coronaria se estimó la prevalencia de: diabetes mellitus, tabaquismo, hipertensión y dislipidemia. Se define como la presencia del efecto de cohorte al nacer la metodología estadística, epidemiológica y sociológica que pretende identificar la influencia del entorno en el transcurso de la vida de acuerdo con la década de nacimiento. Se realizaron análisis ajustados por género. Resultados: Se incluyen 3,056 sujetos. De ellos, el 72% son varones, la mediana de edad fue de 61 años (rango intercuartílico = 53-69). Para toda la población de estudio, la prevalencia de hipertensión fue del 62.3%, diabetes mellitus del 48.8%, tabaquismo activo del 18.8% y dislipidemia del 48.8%. Para diabetes mellitus y dislipidemia se observó un incremento de la prevalencia en cada cohorte según la década de nacimiento, mientras que para la hipertensión se vio una disminución en las mismas décadas de nacimiento. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de los factores de riesgo tradicionales ha cambiado con el tiempo y se evidencia la presencia del efecto del momento al nacer, influido posiblemente por las condiciones sociales del entorno en cada década de la vida.

Background: The prevalence of major risk factors associated to coronary artery disease has changed over time. Today, the frequency of dyslipidemia, hypertension and diabetes mellitus has increased, while smoking has decreased. The birth cohort effect for coronary artery disease in subjects as an approximation of the true prevalence over time has not been studied in Latin-America. Objective: To determine the trends in the prevalence of major risk factors for coronary artery disease by birth cohort effect in a high risk population. Methods: We estimate the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, smoking, hypertension and dyslipidemia from a prospective institutional registry (DREST registry) of patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary event. Birth cohort effect was defined as a statistical, epidemiological and sociological methodology to identify the influence of the environment in the lifetime from birth by each decade. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed adjusted by gender. Results: Out of 3,056 subjects who were enrolled, 72% were male, with a median age of 61 years (interquartile range = 53-69). Hypertension prevalence was 62.3%, for diabetes mellitus it was 48.8%, for smoking it was 18.8% and for dyslipidemia it was 48.8%. We observed an increase in prevalence for diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia in each cohort according to birth decade, while there was a reduction in prevalence for hypertension in the same decades. Conclusions: The prevalence of major cardiovascular risk factors has changed in time and the presence of time at birth effect is evident, possibly influenced by the environment's social conditions in each decade of life.

Fatores de risco e complicações em hipertensos/diabéticos de uma regional sanitária do nordeste brasileiro / Risk factors and complications in patients with hypertension/diabetes in a regional health district of northeast Brazil / Factores de riesgo y complicaciones en hipertensos/diabéticos de una región sanitaria del noreste brasileño

Objetivou-se com este estudo identificar os fatores de risco e a complicações associadas em usuários com hipertensão/diabetes, cadastrados no HIPERDIA da Secretaria Executiva Regional VI em Fortaleza, CE. O estudo documental analítico abordou 2.691 pessoas. Do total, 73,6% eram mulheres; 44,6% tinham 60-79 anos, com média de 60,8 anos; 87,4% eram brancos, amarelos ou pardos; 63,7% tinham até oito anos de estudo; 79,7% não eram fumantes; 56,6% sedentários; 59,6% apresentavam sobrepeso/obesidade; 48,4% possuíam antecedente familiar de doença cardiovascular. Verificou-se associação entre sedentarismo e sobrepeso/obesidade com diabéticos e diabéticos hipertensos; antecedente familiar de doença cardiovascular com os hipertensos e diabéticos hipertensos; acidente vascular encefálico, doença arterial coronariana e insuficiência renal crônica com hipertensos e diabéticos hipertensos; infarto e acidente vascular encefálico com diabéticos. O antecedente familiar cardiovascular associou-se com doença arterial coronariana e infarto. Evidenciou-se a presença relevante de fatores de risco e complicações, destacando a necessidade da educação em saúde com os usuários.

The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors and associated complications present in clients with hypertension/diabetes, enrolled in the HIPERDIA of the Executive Regional Health Department VI in Fortaleza, CE. This analytical documental study included 2,691 people. Of this total, 73.6% were women; 44.6% were between 60-79 years of age (mean age of 60.8 years); 87.4% were Caucasian, Asian or Pardo; 63.7% had eight or fewer years of education; 79.7% were non-smokers; 56.6% were considered sedentary; 59.6% were overweight/obese; and 48.4% had a family history of cardiovascular disease. An association was observed between having a sedentary lifestyle and being overweight/obese among patients with diabetes, and those with both diabetes and hypertension; family history of cardiovascular disease in patients with hypertension and those with both diabetes and hypertension; stroke, coronary artery disease and chronic renal failure in patients with hypertension and those with both diabetes and hypertension; and infarction and stroke in patients with diabetes. A family history of cardiovascular disease was associated with coronary artery disease and infarction. A relevant presence of risk factors and complications was found, highlighting the need for health education among clients.

Se objetivó identificar factores de riesgo y complicaciones asociadas en pacientes con hipertensión/diabetes, registrados en el HIPERDIA de la Secretaría Ejecutiva Regional IV de Fortaleza-CE. Estudio documental analítico que abordó 2.691 personas; 73,6% de sexo femenino, 44,6% con 60-79 años, promedio de 60,8 años; 87,4% blancos, amarillos o trigueños, 63,7% con hasta ocho años de escolarización; 79,7% no fumadores, 56,6% sedentarios, 59,6% con sobrepeso/obesidad, 48,4% con antecedentes cardiovasculares familiares. Se verificó asociación entre sedentarismo y sobrepeso/obesidad con los diabéticos y diabéticos hipertensos; antecedentes cardiovasculares familiares con los hipertensos y diabéticos hipertensos; accidente cerebro-vascular, enfermedad coronaria e insuficiencia renal crónica con hipertensos y diabéticos hipertensos; infarto y accidente cerebro-vascular con diabéticos. Antecedentes cardiovasculares familiares se asociaron con enfermedad coronaria e infarto. Se evidenció presencia relevante de factores de riesgo y complicaciones, destacándose la necesidad de educación sanitaria a los pacientes.

Novas perspectivas de tratamento medicamentoso do diabetes mellitus / New prospects for drug treatment of diabetes mellitus

O diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) apresenta alta prevalência, com aumento inclusive em crianças e adolescentes. A importância de um estrito controle glicêmico pode ser comprovada com a redução das complicações crônicas microvasculares. Já em relação à redução da doença macrovascular, principal causa de mortalidade nestes pacientes, são fundamentais o controle da glicemia, bem como de outros fatores de risco cardiovasculares, tais como hipertensão arterial, dislipidemia, peso, e a manutenção de hábitos saudáveis de vida. Temos vários medicamentos para o tratamento do DM2, sendo que a metformina é ainda a droga de primeira escolha, devido ao seu baixo custo e eficácia comprovada.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is highly prevalent and is increasing even in children and adolescents. The importance of strict glycemic control can be proven to reduce chronic microvascular complications. Regarding the reduction of macrovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality in these patients, it is essential tight glycemic control, as well as other cardiovascular risk factors, such as arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, weight control, and maintaining healthy lifestyles. We have a lot of drugs for the treatment of DM2, and metformin is still the drug of first choice due to its low cost and proven effectiveness.

Diabetes-related lower-extremity amputation incidence and risk factors: a prospective seven-year study in Costa Rica / Incidencia y factores de riesgo de la amputación de extremidades inferiores relacionada con la diabetes: estudio prospectivo de siete años en Costa Rica

Objective. To analyze the incidence and determinants of lower-extremity amputation(LEA) in people with diabetes in a low-income community in Costa Rica.Methods. Data on LEA incidence were collected during a seven-year follow-up (2001–2007) in a diabetes patient cohort (n = 572). Risk factors were analyzed using the Coxproportional hazards regression model and baseline variables from the year 2000 (sociodemographiccharacteristics, comorbidity, metabolic control, treatment, and chronic microvascularcomplications).Results. LEA incidence was 6.02 per 1 000 person-years (8.65 in men and 4.50 in women).Known risk factors (sex, years of diabetes, elevated glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c], retinopathy,insulin therapy, and prior amputation) were highly significant.Conclusions. Those most likely to undergo LEA among Costa Rican diabetic patients weremen with 10 or more years of diabetes and average HbA1c ≥ 8% who used insulin and haddiabetic retinopathy. Patients on insulin therapy were at greatest risk, especially those with aprevious amputation. Diabetic patients with the above-mentioned profile should be consideredto be at very high risk of LEA and followed closely by the health care system.

Objetivo. Analizar la incidencia y los determinantes de la amputación deextremidades inferiores (AEI) en personas diabéticas de una comunidad con bajosingresos de Costa Rica.Métodos. Se recopilaron datos sobre la incidencia de la AEI durante un período deseguimiento de siete años (del 2001 al 2007) en una cohorte de pacientes diabéticos(n = 572). Se analizaron los factores de riesgo usando el modelo de regresión de Coxde riesgos proporcionales y los valores de referencia del año 2000 de las variables(características sociodemográficas, comorbilidad, control metabólico, tratamiento ycomplicaciones microvasculares crónicas).Resultados. La incidencia de la AEI fue de 6,02 por 1 000 personas-año (8,65 envarones y 4,50 en mujeres). Los factores de riesgo conocidos (sexo, años de evoluciónde la diabetes, glucohemoglobina [HbA1c] elevada, retinopatía, tratamiento coninsulina y amputación previa) fueron muy significativos.Conclusiones. Los pacientes diabéticos costarricenses con mayor probabilidad desufrir una AEI fueron los varones con 10 o más años de evolución de la diabetesy un promedio de HbA1c ≥ 8% que eran tratados con insulina y padecían unaretinopatía diabética. Los pacientes en tratamiento con insulina presentaban el mayorriesgo, especialmente los que habían sufrido una amputación anterior. Los pacientesdiabéticos con el perfil descrito anteriormente deben considerarse como de riesgomuy elevado de AEI y deben ser seguidos de cerca por el sistema de atención desalud.

Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in Peruvian patients with type 2 diabetes: results of a hospital-based retinal telescreening program / Prevalencia de retinopatía diabética en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 en el Perú: resultados de un programa hospitalario de detección sistemßtica mediante telemedicina

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes and to determine any association with clinical factors. METHODS: This hospital-based screening project was designed to prospectively detect the presence of DR in patients with type 2 diabetes by grading images acquired with a digital retinal camera. RESULTS: Of 1 311 patients screened, appropriate retinal images were obtained in 1 222 subjects (93.2 percent). DR was detected in 282 patients (23.1 percent) [95 percent confidence interval (CI): 20.71-25.44]; 249 patients (20.4 percent) (95 percent CI: 18.1-22.6) had nonproliferative DR and 33 (2.7 percent) (95 percent CI: 1.8-3.6) had proliferative DR. In 32 patients (11.3 percent), DR was unilateral. The frequency of DR was the same in both sexes. Prevalence of blindness was twice as frequent in patients with DR as in those without it (9.4 percent and 4.6 percent, respectively) (P = 0.001). The frequency of DR at diagnosis was 3.5 percent and it increased with the duration of diabetes. DR was more frequent in patients with arterial hypertension, macrovascular or microvascular complications, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) > 7.0 percent and in those treated with insulin or sulfonylureas. It was less prevalent in those with HbA1c < 7.0 percent, with greater body mass index, and who had been treated with metformin. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of DR in these patients with type 2 diabetes was 23.1 percent. Nonproliferative retinopathy accounted for 77.0 percent of cases. Although less prevalent than in a previous report, it doubled the frequency of blindness in the people affected. A national screening DR program should be considered in order to detect this prevalent condition early and treat it in a timely fashion.

OBJETIVO: Calcular la prevalencia de la retinopatía diabética en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 y determinar su asociación con factores clínicos. MÉTODOS: Este proyecto de detección sistemßtica hospitalaria se dise±ó para detectar de manera prospectiva la presencia de retinopatía diabética en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 mediante la valoración de imßgenes obtenidas con una cßmara digital para fotografía retiniana. RESULTADOS: Se evaluó a 1 311 pacientes y se obtuvieron imßgenes retinianas apropiadas en 1 222 de ellos (93,2 por ciento). Se detectó retinopatía diabética en 282 pacientes (23,1 por ciento) (intervalo de confianza [IC] de 95 por ciento: 20,71-25,44): 249 pacientes (20,4 por ciento) (IC de 95 por ciento: 18,1-22,6) tenían retinopatía diabética no proliferativa y 33 (2,7 por ciento) (IC 95 por ciento: 1,8-3,6) presentaban retinopatía diabética proliferativa. En 32 pacientes (11,3 por ciento), la retinopatía diabética era unilateral. La frecuencia de retinopatía diabética fue la misma en ambos sexos. La prevalencia de ceguera fue del doble en los pacientes con retinopatía diabética que en aquellos sin ella (9,4 por ciento y 4,6 por ciento, respectivamente) (P = 0,001). La frecuencia de retinopatía diabética en el momento del diagnóstico fue de 3,5 por ciento y aumentó con la duración de la diabetes. La retinopatía diabética fue mßs frecuente en los pacientes con hipertensión arterial, complicaciones macrovasculares o microvasculares y hemoglobina A1c (HbA1c) > 7,0 por ciento, y en aquellos tratados con insulina o sulfonilureas. Fue menos prevalente en los pacientes con HbA1c < 7,0 por ciento, en aquellos con mayor índice de masa corporal y en los tratados con metformina. CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de retinopatía diabética en estos pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 fue de 23,1 por ciento. La retinopatía no proliferativa representó 77,0 por ciento de los casos. Aunque la prevalencia de la ceguera fue menor que en un informe anterior...

Actividades de prevención del pie diabético en pacientes de consulta externa de primer nivel / Primary-care prevention activities in outpatients suffering from diabetic foot care

Objetivo Determinar la frecuencia de actividades de prevención del pie diabético recomendadas por el médico y efectuadas por pacientes de consulta externa en medicina general, para autocuidado de los pies y describir los hábitos alimentarios. Metodología Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, realizado en dos instituciones de salud de Bogotá, marzo-octubre 2008; muestra ponderada, por conveniencia, 307 pacientes diabéticos mayores de 18 años. Resultados Antecedente de úlceras en pies 13 por ciento, amputaciones en miembros inferiores 1,6 por ciento. Refirieron: disestesias 65,5 por ciento y claudicación intermitente 33,6 por ciento; no habían recibido educación sobre el cuidado del pie por parte del médico 78,2 por ciento. Su médico no le había examinado los pies en el último año al 76,2 por ciento; a pesar de presentar disestesias y claudicación intermitente no se indagó sobre estos síntomas al 89 por ciento y 93 por ciento de pacientes respectivamente. Actividades de pacientes: no revisaban diariamente los pies 63,1 por ciento, no realizaban automonitoreo 93,4 por ciento, consumían más de dos fuentes de carbohidratos en comidas principales 38,1 por ciento; adicionaban a las preparaciones azúcar, panela, miel de abejas 38,8 por ciento. Conclusiones La prevalencia de actividades de prevención del pie diabético recomendadas por médicos y efectuadas por pacientes fue deficiente. Es necesario crear y fortalecer programas interdisciplinarios para la prevención de la diabetes mellitus y del pie diabético a nivel primario de atención, además de formación del equipo de profesionales en salud.

Objective Determining the prevalence of prevention activities regarding diabetic foot recommended by doctors and carried out by out-patients attending general medicine self-care foot control and describing food habits. Methods This was a descriptive and cross-sectional studywhich was carried out in two health-care institutions in Bogotá, from March to October 2008, by weightedconveniencesampling of 307 diabetic patients, aged over 18 years. Results Some patients had a background of foot ulcers (13.0 percent) and amputations of the lower limbs(1.6 percent). Some patients referredto dysesthesia(65.5 percent) and intermittent claudication (33.6 percent)whilst many stated that they had received no education about foot care from their doctors(78.2 percent). Many stated that the doctor had not checked their feet during the last year (76.2 percent)and others that, despite presenting dysesthesia and intermittent claudication(89.0 percent and 93.0 percent, respectively), the patients had not been asked about these symptoms. Regarding patient activities,some did not checktheir feet each day (63.1 percent), did not perform self-monitoring (93.4 percent), consumed more than two sources of carbohydrateduring the main meals (38. percent)and/or added sugar, "panela" or honey to preparations (38.8 percent). Conclusions The prevalence of diabetic foot prevention practices recommended by doctors and carried out by patients was poor. Interdisciplinary programmes must thus be created and strengthenedfor preventing diabetes mellitus and diabetic foot, at primary- attention out-patient level, besides providing pertinent trainingfor health teams.

Las complicaciones macrovasculares y su relación con algunas variables clínicas y bioquímicas en diabéticos tipo 2 / The macrovascular complications and its relation to some clinical and biochemical variables in type 2 diabetes patients

Objetivo: determinar la frecuencia de macroangiopatía diabética, así como su relación con algunas variables clínicas y bioquímicas en diabéticos tipo 2 (DM 2). Se realizó un estudio transversal y descriptivo con 438 pacientes DM 2 ingresados en el Centro de Atención al Diabético de Bayamo, Granma, en el período comprendido desde octubre de 2007 a diciembre de 2008. Las variables utilizadas fueron: edad, sexo, color de la piel, consumo de tabaco y alcohol, tiempo de evolución de la diabetes, peso, talla, circunferencia de la cintura, tensión arterial, niveles séricos de colesterol y triglicéridos, así como la presencia de complicaciones macrovasculares de la diabetes. Los sujetos se dividieron en 2 grupos: con macroangiopatía y sin macroangiopatía. RESULTADOS: de los 438 pacientes DM 2 estudiados, 107 (24,4 por ciento) tenían algún tipo de macroangiopatía. Predominó la insuficiencia arterial periférica en 67 casos (15,3 por ciento), seguido de la cardiopatía isquémica con 52 (11,8 por ciento) y el ictus con 4 (0,9 por ciento). En 16 casos se presentó más de una complicación. Resultó significativa la asociación entre la edad (p=0,0000), el tiempo de evolución de la diabetes (p=0,0000), la hipertensión arterial sistólica (p=0,0361), el colesterol (p=0,0000) y los triglicéridos (p=0,0000), con el desarrollo de macroangiopatía. Los pacientes DM 2 con síndrome metabólico presentaron 4,31 veces más probabilidades de desarrollar cardiopatía isquémica, que aquellos que no lo tenían (p=0,0388). CONCLUSIONES: la frecuencia de complicaciones cardiovasculares en los pacientes con DM 2 en nuestro medio es elevada y se asocia a la edad, el tiempo de evolución de la diabetes, la hipertensión arterial y con los altos niveles de colesterol y triglicéridos. El síndrome metabólico incrementa el riesgo de cardiopatía isquémica en los pacientes con DM 2(AU)

Objetive: to determine the diabetic macroangiopathy frequency, as well as its relation to some clinical and biochemical variables in type 2 diabetes patients (DM 2). METHODS: a cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted in 438 DM 2 patients admitted in the Diabetic Center Care of Bayamo, Gramma province from October, 2007 to December, 2008. Variables used included: age, sex, skin color, smoking and alcoholism, diabetes course time, weight, height, waist circumference blood pressure, serum cholesterol levels and triglycerides, as well as the presence of diabetes-macrovascular complications. Subjects were divided into two groups: those presenting with and without macroangiopathy. RESULTS: from the 438 study DM patients, 107 (24,4 percent) had some type of macroangiopathy. There was predominance of peripheral arterial failure in 67 cases (15,3 percent) followed by ischemic heart disease in 52 cases (11,8 percent) and ictus in 4 cases (0,9 percent). In 16 cases there was more than one complication. The association between age (p=0,0000), diabetes course time (p=0,0000), systolic high blood pressure (p=0,0361), cholesterol level (p=0,0000) and triglycerides (p=0,0000) and the macroangiopathy development. DM 2 patients presenting with metabolic syndrome had 4,31 more probabilities to develop a ischemic heart disease than those without these conditions. CONCLUSIONS: the frequency of cardiovascular complications in DM 2 patients in our institution is high and it is associated with age, diabetes course time, high blood pressure and with high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. The metabolic syndrome increases the risk of ischemic heart disease in DM 2 patients(AU)

Impact of previous insulin therapy on the prognosis of diabetic patients with acute coronary syndromes / Impacto da insulinoterapia prévia no prognóstico dos pacientes diabéticos com síndromes coronárias agudas

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether previous insulin treatment independently influences subsequent outcomes in diabetic patients with ACS (acute coronary syndromes). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 375 diabetic patients with ACS, divided in 2 groups: Group A (n = 69) - previous insulin and Group B (n = 306) - without previous insulin. Predictors of 1-year mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were analyzed by Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Group A had more previous stroke (17.4 percent vs. 9.2 percent, p = 0.047) and peripheral artery disease (13.0 percent vs. 3.6 percent, p = 0.005). They had significantly higher admission glycemia and lower LDL cholesterol. There were no significant differences in the type of ACS, in 1-year mortality (18.2 percent vs. 10.4 percent, p = 0.103) or MACE (32.1 percent vs. 23.0 percent, p = 0.146) between groups. In multivariate analysis, insulin treatment was neither an independent predictor of 1-year mortality nor of MACE. CONCLUSION: Despite the more advanced atherosclerotic disease, diabetics under insulin had similar outcomes to those without insulin. Insulin may protect diabetics from the expected poor adverse outcome of an advanced atherosclerotic disease.

OBJECTIVO: Avaliar se a insulinoterapia prévia influencia de forma independente o prognóstico de diabéticos após uma síndrome coronária aguda (SCA). SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: 375 doentes diabéticos com SCA, divididos em 2 grupos: Grupo A (n = 69) - sob insulinoterapia prévia e Grupo B (n = 306) - sem insulinoterapia prévia. Os preditores de mortalidade a um ano e de eventos cardíacos adversos maiores (MACE) foram determinados pela regressão de Cox. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se maior proporção de acidente vascular cerebral prévio (17,4 por cento vs. 9,2 por cento, p = 0,047) e doença arterial periférica (13,0 por cento vs. 3,6 por cento, p = 0,005) no Grupo A. Esses doentes apresentaram glicemia na admissão significativamente mais elevada e LDL inferior. Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas no tipo de SCA, na mortalidade (18,2 por cento vs. 10,4 por cento, p = 0,103) e MACE (32,1 por cento vs. 23,0 por cento, p = 0,146) em um ano entre os 2 grupos. Na análise multivariada, a insulinoterapia prévia não foi preditor independente nem de mortalidade, nem de MACE em 1 ano. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar da doença aterosclerótica mais avançada, os diabéticos previamente insulino-tratados têm um prognóstico semelhante aos não insulino-tratados. A insulinoterapia crônica poderá proteger os diabéticos da evolução desfavorável própria da doença aterosclerótica avançada.

Macrovascular complications and their associated risk factors in type 2 diabetic patients in Sana'a city, Yemen

A cross-sectional survey in Sana'a city, Yemen, aimed to determine the prevalence of preventable macrovascular complications and their association with glycaemic control and other risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus [DM]. Some features of macrovascular disease were found in 79 [25.4%] of the 311 patients: 17.8% had coronary heart disease, 9.1% had peripheral vascular disease and 5.8% had cerebrovascular disease. Significant positive associations were found between coronary heart disease and age, duration of DM, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and insulin treatment. Peripheral vascular disease was associated with male sex, age, duration of DM and current tobacco smoking. Cerebrovascular disease was associated with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and insulin treatment

Heterogeneidade clínica e coexistência das neuropatias diabéticas: diferenças e semelhanças entre diabetes melito tipos 1 e 2 / Clinical heterogeneity and coexistence of diabetic neuropathies: difference and similarities between types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJETIVO: Estudar a heterogeneidade e a coexistência das neuropatias no diabetes melito tipos 1 (DMT1) e 2 (DMT2). MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 74 DMT2 e 20 DMT1 em relação à idade (anos), tempo de diagnóstico do DM (TDDM, em anos), índice de massa corpórea (IMC, kg/m²), HbA1c e tipo de neuropatia (critérios da American Diabetes Association). RESULTADOS: DMT1 era mais jovem (32,7 ± 11 versus 56,9 ± 10,3; p = 0,0001), com maior TDDM (17,1 ± 9,7 versus 10,4 ± 6,8; p = 0,003) e menor IMC (23,6 ± 3,8 versus 28,4 ± 5,3; p = 0,0005). A neuropatia autonômica cardiovascular (NAC) (60 por cento versus 32,4 por cento; p = 0,02) e a coexistência desta com polineuropatia (PND) (62,5 por cento versus 33,3 por cento; p = 0,03) foram mais prevalentes no DMT1; a PND dolorosa crônica (PNDDC) (60,8 por cento versus 30,0 por cento; p = 0,009) o foi no DMT2. A HbA1c (p = 0,04) foi preditiva de PND em ambos os grupos. O TDDM (p = 0,03) e a PNDDC (p = 0,003) foram preditivos de NAC no DMT1. A idade (p = 0,0004) teve valor preditivo para PNDDC no DMT2. CONCLUSÕES: As neuropatias apresentam distribuição heterogênea no DMT1 e no DMT2. Com exceção do controle glicêmico, os fatores relacionados a essa complicação diferem de acordo com o tipo de diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the heterogeneity and the coexistence of diabetic neuropathy (DNP) in type 1 (T1DM) and 2 (T2DM) diabetes mellitus. METHODS: 74 T2DM and 20 T1DM patients were evaluated according to age (years), time from diagnosis of diabetes (TDD, years), body mass index (BMI, kg/m²), HbA1c and DNP type (American Diabetes Association criteria). RESULTS: T1DM was younger (32.7 ± 11.0 versus 56.9 ± 10.3; p = 0.0001), leaner (BMI: 23.6 ± 3.85 versus 28.4 ± 5.3; p = 0.0005) and they had longer TDD (17.1 ± 9.7 versus 10.4 ± 6.8; p = 0.003). Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) (60 percent versus 32.4 percent; p = 0.02) and its coexistence with polyneuropathy (PN) (62.5 percent versus 33.3 percent; p = 0.03) were more common in T1DM. Chronic painful polyneuropathy (CPP) was more prevalent in T2DM (60.8 percent versus 30.0 percent; p = 0.009). Logistic regression showed HbA1c as an independent variable related to PN (p = 0.04) in both groups. TDD (p = 0.03) and CPP (p = 0.003) were related to CAN in T1DM. Age (p = 0.0004) was related to CPP in T2DM. CONCLUSIONS: The DNP have shown a heterogeneity distribution in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The related factors to different phenotypes of this complication, apart from hyperglycemia, may be variable between these two types of diabetes mellitus.

Risk factors for micro and macrovascular disease in black and white patients with type 2 Diabetes mellitus / Comparação de fatores de risco para complicações micro e macrovasculares em pacientes com Diabetes mellitus tipo 2 negros e brancos

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of chronic complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is higher in black patients. The reason for this finding is still unknown. The objective of this study was to analyze the micro and macrovascular risk factor profile of type 2 DM patients without advanced diabetic nephropathy according to ethnicity. METHODS: A cross-sectional multicentric regional study was conducted evaluating 780 patients. All patients were submitted to clinical and laboratory evaluation. Ethnicity was self-reported as white (n = 585) or black (n = 195). RESULTS: Black patients had lower triglycerides [115 (35-892) vs. 152 (34-1236) mg/dl; P <0.001] and higher HDL-cholesterol levels than whites (48.3 ± 13.5 vs. 44.8 ± 12.1 mg/dl; P = 0.002).White and black patients did not differ regarding fasting plasma glucose, A1c test, total and LDL cholesterol, blood pressure levels, insulin and HOMA-IR. There were no differences between groups regarding medication in use (statin: 18.5 vs. 19.3 percent, P = 1.000; fibrates: 1.5 vs. 0.7 percent, P = 0.680; angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors: 39.5 vs. 43.8 percent, P = 0.375; acetylsalicylic acid: 29.9 vs. 27.7 percent, P = 0.673). CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in the prevalence of the classic micro and macrovascular risk factors between ethnic groups. The study of non-conventional risk factors and genetic factors is essential to understand determinants of the worst outcomes presented by the African-Brazilian population.

OBJETIVO: A prevalência das complicações crônicas do Diabetes mellitus (DM) é maior nos negros. A razão para esse achado é desconhecida. O objetivo desse estudo é analisar os fatores de risco para doença micro e macrovascular em pacientes com DM tipo 2 de acordo com a etnia. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo transversal avaliando 780 pacientes. Todos pacientes realizaram avaliação clinico/ laboratorial. A etnia foi autoreferida em branca (n = 585) ou negra (n = 195). RESULTADOS: Os pacientes negros apresentaram níveis menores de triglicerídeos [115 (35-892) vs. 152 (34-1236) mg/dl; P <0.001] e maiores de HDL colesterol que os brancos (48.3 ± 13.5 vs. 44.8 ± 12.1 mg/dl; P = 0.002). Não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto à glicemia de jejum, teste A1c, LDL e colesterol total, níveis pressóricos, insulina e Homa-ir. Não houve diferença no uso de medicações (estatinas: 18.5 vs. 19.3 por cento, P = 1.000; fibratos: 1.5 vs. 0.7 por cento, P = 0.680; inibidores da enzima conversora da angiotensina: 39.5 vs. 43.8 por cento, P = 0.375; acido acetilsaliscílico: 29.9 vs. 27.7 por cento, P = 0.673). CONCLUSÃO: Não houve diferença na prevalência dos fatores de risco convencionais para doença micro e macrovascular entre os grupos étnicos. O estudo de fatores não-convencionais e genéticos é essencial para a elucidação dos determinantes dos piores desfechos apresentados pela população diabética afrobrasileira.

A study on clinical and biochemical profile of low body weight type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Low body weight type2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a distinct entity in T2DM having different clinical presentation, morbidity and mortality patterns as well as biochemical profile when compared with classical T2 DM. This study was aimed at comparing three subtypes of T2 DM-overweight (BMI>25), normal weight (BMI>18.5 but <25) and low body weight or lean type2 DM (BM1<18.5). Seventy-five cases of T2 DM (25-lean, 25-normal weight and 25-overweight) were selected. The present study revealed that normal C-peptide level with basal hyperglycaemia is an important characteristic of lean T2 DM. Lower prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia and higher level of triglycerides were found in low body weight T2 DM.Lower prevalence of macrovascular and higher prevalence of microvascular complications are also noted.

Glycaemic control and vascular complications in type 2 diabetes: new observations and clinical significance.

Whether intensive gylcaemic control can reduce the cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetes has been answered in three clinical trials (ACCORD, ADVANCE and VADT). All three studies measured microvascular complications as well as macrovascular end points. It is important to initiate intensive glycaemic control early in the course of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients require lifestyle modification plus combinations of insulin sensitisers and insulin secretagogues. It target glycaemic control is not achieved then either incretin minetics or insulin can be added.

Diabetes and cardiovascular disease: related disorders created by disturbances in the endogenous clock.

The factors underpinning the development of type 2 diabetes mirror closely the presentation of atherothrombotic risk factors that enhance risk of macrovascular disease. It has been postulated that this relationship is so tight as to indicate that diabetes and cardiovascular disease are the same condition with common genetic and environmental antecedents ('the common soil hypothesis'). The huge Increase in prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the Asia-Pacific region in recent years has raised serious concerns regarding the cardiovascular consequences for these populations. For example, in the UK, subjects of S. Asian origin have a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes with a relative risk of macrovascular disease of -1.5 compared to the Indigenous population. Current opinion favours the view that the development of obesity is associated with an insulin resistant phenotype that promotes vascular risk. Our endogenous clock is regulated centrally in the hypothalamus by light exposure and in peripheral tissues to place our metabolic needs in time with day length and the seasons. Evidence from animal and cellular studies with early data from human studies indicates that disruption of the endogenous clock as can occur with obesity, is associated with a metabolic syndrome phenotype. The adaption of western lifestyles by S Asian subjects may promote disruption of circadian rhythms with associated increases in both diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Vascular complications of black patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Southern Brazil

Ethnicity has been shown to be associated with micro- and macrovascular complications of diabetes in European and North American populations. We analyzed the contribution of ethnicity to the prevalence of micro- and macrovascular complications in Brazilian subjects with type 2 diabetes attending the national public health system. Data from 1810 subjects with type 2 diabetes (1512 whites and 298 blacks) were analyzed cross-sectionally. The rates of ischemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, stroke, distal sensory neuropathy, and diabetic retinopathy were assessed according to self-reported ethnicity using multiple logistic regression models. Compared to whites, black subjects [odds ratio = 1.72 (95 percentCI = 1.14-2.6)] were more likely to have ischemic heart disease when data were adjusted for age, sex, fasting plasma glucose, HDL cholesterol, hypertension, smoking habit, and serum creatinine. Blacks were also more likely to have end-stage renal disease [3.2 (1.7-6.0)] and proliferative diabetic retinopathy [1.9 (1.1-3.2)] compared to whites when data were adjusted for age, sex, fasting plasma glucose, HDL cholesterol, hypertension, and smoking habit. The rates of peripheral vascular disease, stroke and distal sensory neuropathy did not differ between groups. The higher rates of ischemic heart disease, end-stage renal disease and proliferative diabetic retinopathy in black rather than in white Brazilians were not explained by differences in conventional risk factors. Identifying which aspects of ethnicity confer a higher risk for these complications in black patients is crucial in order to understand why such differences exist and to develop more effective strategies to reduce the onset and progression of these complications.

Doença cardiovascular no diabetes melito tipo 1: [revisão] / Cardiovascular disease in type 1 diabetes mellitus: [review]

O risco de doença arterial coronariana (DAC) nos pacientes com diabetes melito tipo 1 (DM1) é conhecido desde o final dos anos 1970, sendo atualmente a principal causa de mortalidade na população adulta com diabetes tipo 1 de longa duração. A patogênese do processo aterosclerótico nesta doença ainda é obscura, acreditando-se que a hiperglicemia desenvolva aí um papel importante, entretanto vários estudos epidemiológicos mostraram que a associação entre doença coronariana e glicemia, em pacientes com DM1 seja fraca. Dados recentes do estudo DCCT/EDIC mostram que o grupo que recebeu tratamento insulínico intensificado durante o DCCT desenvolveu graus menores de aterosclerose, relacionado aos valores reduzidos de HbA1c durante a fase ativa do estudo, com melhor proteção nos pacientes mais jovens e com menor duração da doença. Há também evidências de que os benefícios são maiores nos pacientes sem nefropatia quando comparados aos com doença renal. Outros fatores de risco importante para o desenvolvimento de DAC em pacientes com DM1 são os mesmos descritos para DM2, incluindo os componentes da síndrome metabólica e marcadores de resistência insulínica. Sugere-se que pacientes com DM1 devam ter o melhor controle glicêmico possível, desde o início da sua doença acrescido de vigilância e tratamento rígido dos fatores de riscos clássicos para DAC, principalmente naqueles com história familiar de DM2.

The association between type 1 diabetes and coronary heart disease has become very clear since the late 1970. It has been demonstrated that there is an important increased risk in morbidity and mortality caused by coronary artery disease in young adults with type 1 diabetes compared with the non diabetic population. The underlying pathogeneses is still poorly understood. While the role of glycemic control in the development of microvascular disease complication is well established its role in CVD in patients with DM1 remains unclear with epidemiologic studies reporting conflicting data. Recent findings from the DCCT/EDIC showed that prior intensive diabetes treatment during the DCCT was associated with less atherosclerosis, largely because of reduced level of HbA1c during the DCCT. The improvement of glycemic control itself appeared to be particularly effective in younger patients with shorter duration of the disease. Other analyses suggested the glycemia may have a stronger effect on CAD in patients without than in those with albuminúria. Other major determinants of coronary artery disease are the components of metabolic syndrome and the surrogate measure of insulin resistence: eGDR. It is proposed that patients with DM1 should have aggressive medical therapy, risk factor modification and careful monitoring not only of his blood sugar but also of the other processes involved in the atherosclerotic process, mostly the ones with family history of type 2 diabetes.

Prevalência de fatores de risco coronarianos e alterações da perfusão miocárdica à cintilografia em pacientes diabéticos assintomáticos ambulatoriais / Prevalence of coronary risk factors and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy abnormalities in asymptomatic diabetic outpatients

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência de fatores de risco (FR) para doença arterial coronariana (DAC) e isquemia miocárdica em uma amostra de diabéticos assintomáticos atendidos ambulatorialmente. MÉTODOS: De 80 diabéticos tipo 2 inicialmente recrutados no ambulatório de endocrinologia do nosso Hospital Universitário, sem sintomas e/ou diagnóstico de DAC, apenas 61 completaram o protocolo da pesquisa, sendo 52,5 por cento do sexo feminino, com uma média de idade de 56,3±10,9anos. Os pacientes foram submetidos a entrevista procurando-se identificar os FR e à realização de eletrocardiograma, ecocardiograma e cintilografia miocárdica perfusional (CMP), em repouso e sob estresse. De acordo com o resultado da CMP, foram distribuídos em dois grupos: um isquêmico e outro normal. RESULTADOS: Os FR identificados foram: sexo masculino (48 por cento), idade > 55 anos (51 por cento), história familiar de doença aterosclerótica precoce (16 por cento), passado de tabagismo (46 por cento), hipertensão arterial (44 por cento), sedentarismo (62 por cento), sobrepeso / obesidade (67 por cento), HDL-colesterol < 45 mg/dl (69 por cento), LDL-colesterol > 100 mg/dl (85 por cento) e triglicérides > 150 mg/dl (54 por cento). A CMP foi positiva para isquemia em 15 por cento dos pacientes. As variáveis associadas a esse diagnóstico foram sexo masculino (p=0,007), HDL baixo (p=0,046), história de tabagismo (p=0,038), hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) (p=0,043) e fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) < 60 por cento (p=0,01). CONCLUSÃO: Observou-se uma alta prevalência de FR associados, bem como uma expressiva prevalência, de 15 por cento, de isquemia miocárdica. Sexo masculino, HDL-colesterol baixo, passado de tabagismo, HVE e FEVE < 60 por cento foram as variáveis identificadas como preditoras do diagnóstico de isquemia miocárdica.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors (RF) and myocardial ischemia in a sample of asymptomatic diabetic patients treated on an outpatient basis. METHODS: From 80 type 2 diabetic patients initially recruited at an university outpatient endocrinology clinic, with no symptoms and/or CAD diagnosis, only 61 patients completed the study protocol, being 52,5 percent females, with a mean age of 56.3 ± 10.9 years. The patients were interviewed searching for RF and underwent electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and perfusional myocardial scintigraphy (PMS) at rest and under stress. According to the PMS results they were divided into two groups: an ischemic and a normal one. RESULTS: The RF identified were: male gender (48 percent), age > 55 years (51 percent), family history of premature atherosclerotic disease (16 percent), history of smoking (46 percent), hypertension (44 percent), sedentary lifestyle (62 percent), overweight / obesity (67 percent), HDL- cholesterol < 45 mg/dl (69 percent), LDL- cholesterol > 100 mg/dl (85 percent) and triglycerides > 150 mg/dl (54 percent). Ischemic MPS were diagnosed in 15 percent of the patients. The variables associated with this diagnosis were: male gender (p=0.007), low HDL levels (p=0.046), history of smoking (p=0.038), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (p=0.043) and left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) < 60 percent (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of associated RF was observed, as well as a significant prevalence of 15 percent for myocardial ischemia. The variables identified as predictors of a myocardial ischemia diagnosis were: male gender, low HDL-cholesterol, past smoking, LVH and LVEF < 60 percent.

Doença arterial coronariana em diabéticas do tipo 2 assintomáticas: estudo comparativo entre o teste ergométrico, o teste cardiopulmonar e a cintilografia de perfusão miocárdica com dipiridamol na identificação de isquemia / Coronary artery disease in asymptomatic type-2 diabetic women: a comparative study between exercise test, cardiopulmonary exercise test, and dipyridamole myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in the identification of ischemia

FUNDAMENTO: A doença cardiovascular é a principal causa de morbi-mortalidade nos diabéticos. A isquemia do miocárdio é freqüentemente assintomática levando ao diagnóstico tardio e pior prognóstico. Sabe-se que a mulher diabética tem risco de morte cardiovascular maior em relação ao sexo masculino. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de doença arterial coronariana (DAC) em diabéticas assintomáticas. Comparar os resultados do teste ergométrico (TE), do teste cardiopulmonar (TCP) e da cintilografia do miocárdio sob estímulo farmacológico com dipiridamol (CM) com os achados da cinecoronariografia (CINE) verificando o método de maior acurácia na identificação de DAC significativa. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 104 diabéticas que realizaram TE, TCP e CM no período de dois meses da CINE. As cintilografias com MIBI-99mTc foram realizadas pela técnica de gated-SPECT. A análise estatística foi realizada pelos testes x² de Pearson e t de Student, sendo realizada, ainda, análise de regressão logística. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de DAC no grupo estudado foi de 32,7 por cento. No TE, o teste eficaz (p=0,045), a incompetência cronotrópica (p=0,031) e o tempo de esforço realizado (p=0,022) apresentaram associação significativa com DAC. No TCP, o VO2pico e a FC atingida apresentaram associação com DAC (p=0,004 e p=0,025). A maioria das variáveis da CM mostrou importante associação com DAC (todas com p=0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados obtidos sugerem elevada prevalência de DAC em pacientes diabéticas assintomáticas, devendo ser essa uma população investigada do ponto de vista cardiovascular. Dos métodos diagnósticos não-invasivos que foram empregados, o que mostrou ter maior poder de discriminação em relação às portadoras de DAC foi a CM com dipiridamol.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among diabetic individuals. Myocardial ischemia is frequently asymptomatic, thus leading to a late diagnosis and worse prognosis. Diabetic women are known to have a cardiovascular death risk higher than that in men. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in asymptomatic diabetic women. To compare the results of exercise test (ET), cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), and dipyridamole myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) with the findings of coronary angiography, (ANGI) in order of identify the most accurate method in the detection of significant CAD. METHODS: A total of 104 diabetic women were assessed with ET, CPET and MPS in the period within two months from the ANGI. MIBI-99mTc scintigraphy was performed using the gated-SPECT technique. Pearson's chi-square, Student's t tests were used for the statistical analysis and also the logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of CAD in the group studied was 32.7 percent. For the ET, an effective test (p=0.045), the chronotropic incompetence (p=0.031), and the exercise time performed (p=0.022) showed a significant association with DAC. For CPET, peak VO2 and HR achieved were associated with CAD (p=0.004 and p=0.025, respectively). Most of the MPS variables showed a significant association with CAD (p=0.001, for all). CONCLUSION: The results obtained may suggest a high prevalence of CAD in diabetic women. Thus, this population should be investigated from the cardiovascular point of view even without cardiac symptom. Of the noninvasive diagnostic methods used, dipyridamole MPS was the one that showed the highest discrimination power in relation to diabetic women with CAD.

Diabetes mellitus in Saudi Arabia

Diabetes mellitus [DM] is a major public health problem worldwide, and it is a known risk factor for coronary artery disease [CAD]. New recommendations for the diagnosis of diabetes have changed the epidemiology of DM. Therefore, we designed this study with the objective to determine the prevalence of DM among Saudis of both sexes, between the ages of 30-70-years in rural as well as urban communities. This work is part of a major national project: Coronary Artery Disease in Saudis study [CADISS] that is designed to look at CAD and its risk factors in Saudi population. This study is a community-based national epidemiological health survey, conducted by examining Saudi subjects in the age group of 30-70-years of selected households over a 5-year period between 1995 and 2000. Data were obtained from history, fasting plasma glucose levels, and body mass index. The data were analyzed to classify individuals as diabetic, impaired fasting glucose and normal, using 1997 American Diabetes Association [ADA] criteria, which was adopted by the World Health Organization [WHO] in 1998, to provide prevalence of DM in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA]. A total of 17232 Saudi subjects were selected in the study, and 16917 participated [98.2% response rate]. Four thousand and four subjects [23.7%], out of 16917 were diagnosed to have DM. Thus, the overall prevalence of DM obtained from this study is 23.7% in KSA. The prevalence in males and females were 26.2% and 21.5% [p<0.00001]. The calculated age-adjusted prevalence for Saudi population for the year 2000 is 21.9%. Diabetes mellitus was more prevalent among Saudis living in urban areas of 25.5% compared to rural Saudis of 19.5% [p<0.00001]. Despite the readily available access to healthcare facilities in KSA, a large number of diabetics 1116 [27.9%] were unaware of having DM. The overall prevalence of DM in adults in KSA is 23.7%. A national prevention program at community level targeting high risk groups should be implemented sooner to prevent DM. We further recommend a longitudinal study to demonstrate the importance of modifying risk factors for the development of DM and reducing its prevalence in KSA