Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance in a rural Sri Lankan community.

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in a rural Sri Lankan community adopting the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria were 2.5% and 8% respectively. The low socioeconomic status, adequate physical exercise and the low prevalence of obesity appear to have not only contributed to the low prevalence of diabetes but also has prevented progression from IGT to overt diabetes.