Diabetes mellitus among South Asian inhabitants of The Hague: high prevalence and an age-specific socioeconomic gradient

Background The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is known to be high among South Asians. The Municipal Health Service in The Hague investigated the prevalence of self-reported diabetes among South Asian inhabitants of The Hague, and the relationship between diabetes prevalence and socioeconomic status in this population. Methods A total of 3131 South Asians >30 years of age, randomly selected (stratified according to age and sex) from the municipal register were included in a postal survey with subsequent telephone interviews with non-respondents. Results Self-reported diabetes prevalence varies from 6.4% in the 31-49 year age group to 37.1% in the over 60s age group. The relationship with age varies across the different socioeconomic strata. There are only a few people with diabetes in the 31-39 year age group in the highest stratum, whereas in the lowest stratum at the same age the prevalence of self-reported diabetes approximates 20%. In the over 60s age group the prevalence of diabetes does not significantly differ between the higher and lower socioeconomic strata. Conclusions Diabetes is an extremely common disease among South Asian inhabitants of The Hague. In this population, the relationship between diabetes prevalence and socioeconomic status varies with age. Cohort and age effects may account for this variation.