[Prevalence of diabetes in Switzerland: calculation based on drug sales]

Data on prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Switzerland are scarce. In connection with a EURODIAB project the prevalence of diabetes was assessed in a standardized form, based on sales data for antidiabetic drugs. The prevalence of diabetes treated by specific drugs was calculated on the basis of Swiss sales data for antidiabetic drugs (corrected for combination therapies), the average prescribed daily dosages of insulin and oral antidiabetic drugs (OAD) defined by an inquiry in 38 pharmacies, and the mean annual population of Switzerland. The following prevalence rates were obtained (patients per 1000 inhabitants): [table: see text] Prevalence data obtained by the same, standardized method are higher in France (1.3%), Belgium (1.64%), Sweden (1.7%), and much higher in Italy (2.2%). Calculation based on drug sales data is an easy method of obtaining prevalence rates of diabetes mellitus. In comparison with field studies, discompliance and non-inclusion of diabetics treated only with diet do admittedly lead to low prevalence rates. Nevertheless, the chosen method is very useful for longitudinal observations and for international comparisons.