Epidemiological investigation of diabetes in Yi nationalities in city and village of Liangshan prefecture

Objective To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of diabetes and impaired glucose regulation (IGR) in individuals of Yi nationality aged 20-74 years in Liangshan Zhou. Methods A population-based, cross-sectional survey on diabetes mellitus and IGR was carried out in local Yi Nationalities Region from June 2007 to August 2007 by using stratified cluster sampling method and 1999 WHO criteria. Results The prevalence of diabetes and IGR were 6.7% and 17.1%, respectively. The prevalence of diabetes and IGR in the city were higher than thase in the village (diabetes, 9.1% vs 4.4%, P=0.001; IGR, 23.1% vs 12.6%, P<0.001). There was higher prevalence of diabetes in male than in female (9.2% vs 4.9%, P<0.05). The prevalence of diabetes of Yi nationality in the city gradually increased along with the growing age, while that in the village reached its peak in the age of 60-69 years. The prevalence of IGR of Yi nationality in the city and village was higher in the two age stages of 50-59 years and 70-74 years. Conclusions The epidemiological characteristics of diabetes and IGR of Yi nationality in the city and village are similar with that in all over the nation. The regional characteristics, however, are also obviously observed. It is necessary for us to consider both the national epidemic trend and regional characteristics in order to control the spread of diabetes mellitus. Key words: Diabetes; Yi nationality; Impaired glucose regulation; Prevalence