A comparison of newly and previously diagnosed diabetics in Taiwan

Between 1985 and 1986, during a population survey of diabetes in 1 urban and 5 rural areas of Taiwan, a total of 11,478 adults aged 40 or older were screened. Capillary whole blood glucose was determined with a glucometer (Ames Co.) The diabetic criteria followed the WHO designations. From this survey, a comparison of 225 newly diagnosed and 383 previously diagnosed diabetics was conducted. Multiple regression analysis revealed a highly significant correlation for all diabetics with regard to age, body mass index, family history and hypertension, but no specific correlation to habitat. Mean fasting glucose levels in previously and newly diagnosed diabetics were 172 and 158 (males 158 vs 147 and females 184 vs 165) mg/dl, respectively, which suggest that treatment is apparently inadequate in this population. The prevalent rate (%) of retinopathy for previously and newly diagnosed diabetics was 45.2 and 28.3 (males 42.8 vs 33.3 and females 47.5 vs 24.8), respectively. The prevalence is as common as those reported in western countries. In conclusion, previously diagnosed diabetics had higher fasting glucose concentrations and prevalent rates of retinopathy than newly diagnosed diabetics, and these findings were particularly prominent in females.