[The questionnaire method in mass screening of the population for the presence of diabetes mellitus].

A questionnaire form for detection of diabetes mellitus among high risk persons has been prepared. The form includes only such questions and answers which provide information on the presence of absence of diabetes. Their qualitative characteristics are presented in the form of a scale of assessment, and the total assessment is expressed by integral characteristics of a degree of probability of the presence of diabetes mellitus. A study of the efficacy of this method permitted one to divide population into 3 categories: with a low, average and high probability of diabetes. Persons with a high probability of diabetes mellitus should be examined using a standard glucose tolerance test (GTT). As compared to a mass screening this method permits sparing about 70% of expenses and detecting 80-90% of diabetes mellitus patients who are not in the focus of physician's attention at the moment.