The aim of this study is to characterize the prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in Sao Paulo, according to social and gender differences, particularly in a second stage household survey conducted in nine Brazilian capitals (Multicenter study on the prevalence of DM in Sao Paulo). This survey consisted of a first phase based on fasting capillary glucose levels (FCG) measured in 2,007 individuals with ages ranging from 30 to 69 years, and a second phase carried out in all individuals with FCG <FONT FACE=Symbol>³</FONT> 100mg/dl and in a sub-sample of 1/6 of those individuals with FCG < 100mg/dl. After expanding the results from the sub-sample to the original sample, with adequate corrections, the previously and newly diagnosed diabetes were analyzed in relation to age, gender, occupation, education, origin and distribution in areas The hypothesis tested is that newly diagnosed DM would be more prevalent in the male population and less privileged strata, as a result of active surveillance. The elevated proportion of disease, detected as a result of active surveillance was confirmed, reflecting the social and gender differentials leading to the detection of the disease. The analysis of results emphasized the need of conducting specific studies dealing with distinct risk situations, such as obesity, in relation to disease prevention.
Diabetes Mellitus; Household survey; Prevalence. Social conditions; Gender
