Prevalence of diabetes mellitus in southern Wisconsin

The prevalence of known cases of diabetes was ascertained from patient records in an 11-county area in Wisconsin in July 1979 to June 1980. The prevalence in the noninstitutionalized population was found to be 1%. Prevalence rates rose from 0.5 cases per 1000 population in the first decade of life to 44.7 cases per 1000 population in the eighth decade. The highest rates were found in the nursing home population. Males had higher age-adjusted rates than females. No difference in prevalence was found between persons living in metropolitan or nonmetropolitan counties. Determination of prevalence by these methods is a rapid and inexpensive means of ascertainment of known cases of diabetes.