A Survey Of Diabetes Mellitus Among The Yugurs Above 35 Years Old

Objective: To collect preliminary data and materials for use in preventing Diabetes Mellitus and improving the life and health quality of both the Yugur and Han people in the local region, by surveying the current status of Diabetes Mellitus among the Yugurs of thirty-five years of age and older in Gansu Province. Collected data will be analyzed and compared to study the difference in morbidity rates between the two peoples.Methods: This study was based on the cluster sampling method from field work completed during the period of July to August, 2007, in five towns and rural areas of the Yugur Autonomous County of southern Gansu Province. The individuals surveyed include the local natural inhabitants 35 years of age and older. Samples were taken from 1023 Yugurs (effective: 973) and 1032 Hans (effective 900). The survey covered tests on blood glucose, blood pressure, heart rate, and measurements of height, weight, waist and abdomen, also using questionnaires to obtain information on basic life history, general health awareness, diet and lifestyle habits, and treatment details. Statistical data analysis was performed using SPSS13.0 Statistic software.Results:(1) Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) was 3.3% (male 2.2%, female 4.1%) among the Yugurs of 35 years and older, lower than the rate of 6.9% from the local Hans' counterpart (X~2=12.712, p=0.001).(2) Prevalence of Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGR) was 10.0% ( male 7.4%, female 11.9%) among the Yugurs of 35 years and older, higher than the rate of 8.8% from the local Hans' counterpart (X~2=0.779, p=0.377).(3) The morbidity rate of DM and IGT increased with age among both the local Yugurs and Hans.(4) The awareness of DM was 40.6% and that of IGR is only 1.0% among the Yugurs.(5) The treatment of DM was 34.4% and that of IGR was only 1.0% among the Yugurs.(6) The morbidity rate of DM and IGT increased with BMI and WHR both the local Yugurs and Hans. This increase affects more in local hans.(7) Smoking not influence the morbidity rate of DM in Yugurs. But influence the morbidity rate of DM in the local Hans.(8) The habit of drinking alcohol helped control the disease of DM. But not influence in the local Hans.(9) The Logistic analysis show that the differentiation in influence factors between the local Yugurs and Hans.Conclusions: The morbidity rate of the DM in the Yugurs was lower in comparison to that of Hans, but the IGR morbidity rate of the Yugurs was comparatively higher. The Yugurs' health awareness and treatment of DM were normal, but with a poor IGR prevalence and treatment rate. The DM prevalence rate was increased with age among the Yugurs, and was affected by factors such as body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and lifestyle habits. These influencing factors were found to be different from those of the Hans people. Local healthcare authorities should pay close attention to increasing the public awareness of DM and enhance integrative methods to prevent and treat DM. Failing to do so may result in a rapid increase from the currently low prevalence rate of DM in the Yugurs community within a short time period.