[Main trends in the studies of diabetes mellitus epidemiology]

At present there are three main research trends in the development of Russian epidemiology of diabetes mellitus: 1) study of the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its factors that have an influence on its occurrence and development in various economic geographic areas of the country; 2) examination of the prognosis of its occurrence, and 3) exploration of the natural history and pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus under the natural living conditions of populations. The results of the epidemiological surveys which have been conducted since 1978 suggest that there are varying contrasting parameters in the spread of diabetes mellitus in different areas of the country, these are 0 to 4.1%. There is a relationship between diabetes mellitus and various factors, such as inheritance, obesity, dyslipoproteinemia, impaired carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, coronary heart disease, arterial hypertension, etc. There is a trend for diabetes mellitus to increase in the Russian Federation. Taking into account socioeconomic changes in our country, one cannot rule out the fact that the diabetes mellitus epidemiological situation and the pattern of its aggravation may change. So the studies in the third direction are acquiring its most importance.