Prevalence of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in two non-random populations aged 44–77 years in the Faroe Islands

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AimsThe prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing worldwide but little known about the status in the Faroe Islands. The aim was therefore to determine the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and prediabetes in two non-random populations aged 44–77 years. MethodsThis cross-sectional survey was conducted between 2011 and 2012 and included two sub-populations, namely 518 Septuagenarians aged 74–77 years (84% of the invited) and 401 Mark aged 44–73 years (87% of the invited). Subjects were screened for glycosylated haemoglobin, type A1c, non-fasting random plasma glucose, fasting plasma glucose followed by an oral glucose tolerance test. The screening was based on a diagnostic algorithm that included screening, diagnostic and confirmatory steps. ResultsEach group was analysed separately. In the Septuagenarian group 20.4% had type 2 diabetes, with 5.2% being newly detected and a total of 59% had prediabetes. In the Mark group 4.1% had diabetes, with 2.1% being newly detected and 22.3% had prediabetes. Diabetes increased with age and was significantly more prevalent among men. Women had lower mean fasting plasma glucose concentrations and men had lower values for 2-hours plasma glucose. Significant predictors associated with diabetes mellitus included obesity (BMI ≥ 30, abnormal waist/hip ratio and vegetable consumption. ConclusionsAmong the Faroese populations studied, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes increased with age and was more prevalent among men. The detected prevalence was comparable to other Nordic countries for all age-groups.