[Results of a multicentric study on long term diabetes in the East German population]

In the diabetes population of the GDR by means of the dispensary network of the consulting points 159 diabetics with a duration of the disease of at least 40 years were recognized and investigated on the basis of a standardized documentation material. 23 diabetics had survived their disease for longer than 50 years. The number of benign long-term courses in males was absolutely and relatively higher. The following frequencies of normal findings were stated: 55 per cent good general condition, 78 per cent normal weight/or underweight, 33 per cent no retinopathy, 65 per cent no proteinuria, 49 per cent normal ECG in rest. A proliferating retinopathy was found in 10 per cent, creatinine increases in 10 per cent, coronary infarctions in 32 per cent, gangrene and amputations, respectively, in 9 per cent. There was no striking longevity of the parents. In the majority of cases disciplined patients with a well-balanced metabolic condition were concerned. The partly existing atherogenic factors of risk (hypertension, smoking habits) speak for complex causes of the favourable course, including vasoprotective factors up to now not yet clarified.