Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus among Sub-Urban Pulation in Makassar, Indonesia

Aims In the last two decades, diabetes mellitus is increasing worldwide especially in the developing countries. Our early study in 1982 reported a prevalence of diabetes mellitus only 1.5 %. Cange of lifestyle will increase the incidence of diabetes mellitus. Aim of the study is to find out the impact of lifestyle changes on the prevalence of diabetes mellitus at the same area. Methods The study was conducted at the same area, kecamatan Rappocini-Makassar, a medium socio-economic class, with a total adult population (greater than 16 years old) of 150, 167 people. A questionnaire was prepared before the study. Those who had been treated for diabetes mellitus defined as known diabetic. Newly diabetic patient was diagnosed if fasting plasma glucose greater than 126 mg/dL. The population was classified according to ethnic grops, Makassar, Bugis, and Toraja. Results During the study, 3502 subjects can be covered more females than males. In this study, 319 subjects fulfilled the criteria diabetes mellitus, a prevalence of 9.1 %, more males than females. There was a significant trend of prevalence with increasing age, high prevalence was found after the age of 50 years old. Between gender, the prevalence was significant higher in males. There was no significant different between ethnics Makassar, Bugis and Toraja, The same result was found among educational status, even though it was more frequent in those who were elementary school. Conclusions Lifestyle changes increased the prevalence of diabetes mellitus at the same area.