Increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance among 60-year-old Danes

Aims The age-specific prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was estimated in 60-year-old individuals in 1996/97 and compared to the prevalence in 1974/75. The study also examined whether or not the change in prevalence of diabetes and IGT could be explained by changes in body mass index (BMI) and physical activity. Methods Diabetes and IGT were diagnosed by a standardized oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in two Danish population-based, age-specific, birth cohorts. Results The prevalence of diabetes in 1996/97 was 12.3% among 60-year-old men and 6.8% among women, representing an increase in diabetes of 58% in men and 21% in women compared to 1974/75. The prevalence of IGT was 15.9% among men and 13.1% among women, representing increases of 109 and 16%, respectively. A concurrent increase in BMI in the 22-year period between the two studies explained the increase found in the prevalence of diabetes and IGT. Conclusions A marked increase in the prevalence of diabetes and IGT among 60-year-old individuals over a 22-year period was observed - especially in men. The increase was fully explained by a concurrent increase in BMI.