Prevalence and incidence trends of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in the population of the GDR.

Trends of prevalence and incidence rates of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (non-insulin-treated diabetes mellitus) were assessed in the population of the GDR based upon the National Diabetes Register and the Official Statistical Year Book as sources for the calculations. Within the 25-year follow-up period 1960-1984 the prevalence rose from 4.39%; to 31.95%; the incidence rate from 1.04%; to 3.57%. Age-dependence of the specific rates is characterized by their continuous rise above the age of 30 years reaching the peak prevalence of 146.6%; in 75- to 80-year-olds, that of 14.1%, for the incidence in people aged 70 to 75 years. A significant male preponderance was confirmed between the ages of 30 and 50 years, a significant overwhelming of female NIDDM in the age groups 60 to 90 years. Based on demonstrated correlations between the changes of living standard parameters and the epidemiological trend of NIDDM the conclusion is drawn that overnutrition and reduced muscular activity mainly account for the rise of diabetes morbidity in the population of the GDR.