Screening of Type 2 Diabetes in the City of Belo Horizonte: Differences between Genders

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem that carries a high social and economic burden. Its diagnosis is unknown in half of individuals who have the disease. The diagnosis of the risk factors should be done in the beginning, since changes in lifestyle and hyperglycemic correction may delay the appearance of the disease and its complications. In this context, screening has been considered an important tool for an early detection of diabetes in asymptomatic adults. Objective: The objective is to track diabetes in people from BH, comparing genders. Patients and methods: People were interviewed with questions concerning the risk factors associated with the development of diabetes. According to the risk factors present, they were classified as non-diabetic [ND], pre-diabetic [PD] or diabetic [DM]. Statistical analyses were performed considering p ≤ 0.05 as significant. Results: 1264 individuals participated (5.5% DM, 6.5% PD, 88.0% ND). When grouped, PD and DM males were more prevalent than PD and DM females. Those in the DM group had higher blood pressure, age, glycaemia, number of past smokers, first-degree relatives with diabetes than either PD or ND. Both males and females in DM and PD groups had a higher waist circumference than did either ND males or females. ND men had a higher intake of fried food and smoked more in the past than ND women. Both ND and PD males had higher blood pressure than women from the same groups. Conclusion: Screening for diabetes is very important for an early diagnosis and to avoid future complications in patients. It’s possible to infer that women are more conscientious when it comes to taking care of themselves than men.