RESUMO
In 1989 ,a general survey of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance(IGT) in 44 747 Shanxi peasants,as well as Beijing and Liaoning workers and cadres revealed that the prevalence rate of diabetes and IGT was 2. 02% and 2. 95 % respectively. The former was greatly increased in comparison with that in 1979. The prevalences of diabetes and IGT in Beijing and Liaoning were much higher than in Shanxi, where the caloric-intake and the percentages of overweight and obesity in peasants were much lower. The prevalence rate of diabetes and IGT increased with age,with the peak in 60s. Most of patients with diabetes or IGT were non-obese, but it was significantly higher in overweight or obesity groups. These indicate that aging,lack of physical exercise,overeating and obesity are major factors in increasing the prevalence rate of diabetes mellitus and IGT. A significant difference in prevalence rate of diabetes between male and female was found. Its cause and significance need further study.