Diabetes prevalence in Alaska, 1984-1986

The prevalence of diabetes in Alaska from 1984 to 1986 was determined through medical records review. Cases were identified from hospital and physician discharge forms and from financial abstracts. As of December 1986, 3,719 Alaskans met the criteria for physician diagnosis of diabetes. The overall age-adjusted prevalence of diagnosed diabetes mellitus, 1,357/100,000, was lower than the U.S. rate of 2,470/100,000. The overall age-adjusted prevalence rates of specific complications and pregnancy among Alaskans with diabetes were retinopathy--167.5/1,000; blindness--24.3/1,000; amputations--19.4/1,000; end stage renal disease--9.7/1,000; pregnancy--50.7/1,000. Limitations in available data sources such as death certificates, hospital records, and subspecialists' medical records provided serious problems in identifying persons with diabetes, especially those in the 30- to 69-year age group who have not yet developed complications requiring hospitalization or subspecialty care. This population perhaps is most in need of services to prevent future complications of diabetes.