Screening for people with abnormal glucose metabolism in the European DE-PLAN project

The aim of this report is to describe the application of the FINDRISC in clinical practice within the DE-PLAN project as a step to screen for Type 2 diabetes.

Nine out of 24 possible centers were included. Six centers used opportunistic screening methods for participant recruitment whereas three centers provided study participants of a random population sample. Men (n=1621) and women (n=2483) were evaluated separately. In order to assess the prevalence of abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) disorders across different risk categories, the FINDRISC was used. Anthropometric measurements included blood pressure, height, weight, and waist circumference. Blood lipids and an oral glucose tolerance test were performed in all participants. The primary outcome was identified risk of AGT and type 2 diabetes.

There was no difference in the prevalence of smoking between the FINDRISC categories, people with a FINDRISC below 15 points tend to be more physically active and to eat more frequently fruits and vegetables. Men with a FINDRISC from 15 to 19 points had a prevalence of abnormal glucose tolerance of approximately 60% and women 50%. The prevalence for men and women with a FINDRISC >20 points was 80%. 30% of men and 20% of women with a FINDRISC between 15 and 19 points had Type 2 diabetes. Among people with a FINDRISC more than 20 points, 50% had previously undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes.

The FINDRISC may be a practical tool to be used in primary health-care systems throughout the European population.