Effect of the application of the new diagnostic criteria of diabetes mellitus in the prevalence estimates and diagnostic level in the general population

Background: The objective was to study the effect of the applicationof the new diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus on itsprevalence in Galicia (northwest Spain). Methods: Analysis using‘old’ and ‘new’ criteria (diabetes undertreatment and/or fasting glycaemia 140 mg/dl or 126 mg/dl respectively)was performed in a cross-sectional study (1,275 participants)in the general population aged 40–69 years. Results: Prevalenceof diabetes rose from 7.5 (95% Cl: 6.1–9.1) to 10.4% (95%Cl: 8.8–12.2) with the new criteria. The proportion ofnon diagnosed diabetes rose from 22.2 to 37.8%. Conclusions:The new diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus make it necessaryto increase previous prevalence estimates by 30–35% Inmiddle age (40–69 years).