Prevalence of diabetes--U.S. Virgin Islands, 1999-2001.

The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) comprises four islands (St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas, and Water Island) (2000 population: 108,612) located 70 miles east of Puerto Rico. The median age of persons residing in USVI is 33.4 years (range: 0-110 years), and 87% are aged <60 years; the majority of the residents are either black (76.2%) or Hispanic (14.0%). In 1997, diabetes was the fifth leading cause of death in USVI. Historically, the prevalence of diabetes has been lower among blacks in USVI than among blacks in the 50 states. To characterize the prevalence of diabetes in USVI, CDC analyzed data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for 1999-2001. This report summarizes the findings from the analysis, which indicate that approximately 8.0% of USVI residents aged >/=18 years have diagnosed diabetes, and the prevalence of diabetes among blacks and Hispanics in USVI is comparable to that among blacks and Hispanics in the 50 states. To prevent the burden of diabetes and diabetes-related complications in residents and to improve the quality of life for persons with diabetes, initiatives in USVI should target all persons with diabetes.