ABSTRACT
The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Nilufer District, Bursa, Turkey using standardized diagnostic criteria to investigate associated factors, and to determine the risk groups for a preventive public health program. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Nilufer Public Health Training and Research Area, Bursa Province in Turkey. The study population of 727 persons [382 women and 345 men] were selected by a random sampling method. The response rate was 80.6%. According to the fasting blood glucose levels of the 727 subjects, 44 [6.1%] were diabetic. In this study, the prevalence of known diabetes was 5.0%, and the prevalence of previously undiagnosed diabetes was 1.1%. The ratio of previously undiagnosed to known diabetes was 1:5. Multivariate logistic analyses showed that age [50 and over], family history of diabetes, hypertension and overweight [BMI > 25.0 kg/m2] were risk factors for type 2 diabetes [P < 0.05] in Nilufer District. A public health program in the district should be aimed primarily at these risk groups. The people in the risk groups should be registered and followed-up in a program aimed at preventing overt diabetes. The program can also provide efficient therapy if needed