Results of a mass screening for early diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in a small town (Airole) of the province of Imperia

A brief review of the methods currently employed in epidemiological investigations for the early diagnosis of diabetes is followed by a description of the inland Liguria town, Airole. 228 of the 504 inhabitants came for the examination (45.2%). Known diabetics constituted 5.7% of the population examined, and diabetic-type curves were observed in 7.45% of persons negative for the presence of diabetes. Borderline curves were seen in 9.2%. A comparison is made with other epidemiological investigations of the same kind carried out in Italy, and stress is laid on their medical and social importance.