[Detection programme for diabetes mellitus type 2 in the Czech Republic--initial results]

Area of Science:

• Public health
• Endocrinology
• Epidemiology

Context:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) pose significant risks for cardiovascular diseases.
• Early detection programs are crucial for managing T2DM and reducing associated mortality.
• The Czech Republic initiated a screening program targeting individuals at higher risk for T2DM.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a national screening program for asymptomatic diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance.
• To identify the prevalence of T2DM and IGT in a population aged 45 and above.
• To determine associated risk factors in newly diagnosed individuals.

Summary:

• A screening program in the Czech Republic examined 26,577 individuals aged 45 and older.
• Prevalence rates of 2.43% for diabetes mellitus and 1.28% for impaired glucose tolerance were identified.
• Hypertension and obesity were the most prevalent risk factors among newly detected diabetic patients.

Impact:

• The study highlights the importance of targeted screening for early detection of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance.
• Findings underscore the need for managing hypertension and obesity to mitigate cardiovascular risks in diabetic populations.
• The program identified a higher prevalence of newly detected diabetics in individuals over 60 years old (56.7%) compared to non-diabetics (47.9%).