Change over time in prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in Spain (1999-2014)

This study was intended to analyze the change in prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Spain during the period 1999-2014, and to estimate its prevalence in the near future. On the other hand, the association between DM and the following variables was assessed: sex, age, educational level, and social class, and to others related to lifestyle such as diet and physical activity.

A descriptive analysis of prevalence was performed based on the different health surveys conducted in Spain from 1999 to the present day, including EDDES in 1999; ENS in 2003, 2006 and 2012; and EESE in 2009 and 2014. Mean interannual changes were also calculated for different periods. The confidence intervals in the observed prevalence rates were estimated to verify the significance of the differences seen. Contingency tables and regression were used to verify the association of DM prevalence with independent variables.

Sociodemographic variables such as social status or educational level are determinant in the risk of suffering the disease. In recent years, change in prevalence suggests a different pattern, with negative interannual rates. The exponential increase seen in previous decades tends to stabilize, and decreases are seen in some cases.

There may be a greater awareness of the need for a balanced diet and the benefits of continued physical exercise. Campaigns promoting public health policies are probably working.