Findings in a Health Survey of Middle–aged Subjects in Uppsala 1981-82

Risk factors for diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease

Abstract

In a health survey in 1981–82 in the city of Uppsala 819 subjects (443 females and 376 males), 47–54 years old, were examined. A 75 g oral glucose tolerance test OGTT was performed in each subject, and fasting and 2-h venous whole blood glucose values were determined. The 2-h value was somewhat higher in females, 4.7 mmol·1⁻¹, than in males, 4.4 mmol·.⁻¹ (p < 0.01). Known or probable manifest diabetes was present in 1.9% of all subjects. Glucose values within the limits for WHO criteria of glucose intolerance were found in another 7.1% of all subjects after one OGTT. The rates were similar in both sexes. A history of diabetes in first-degree relatives was noted in 13.2% of all subjects.

According to a questionnaire, 1.1% of all subjects had had hospital care for myocardial infarction, 4.7% had angina pectoris and 2.4% had intermittent claudication. The rate of subjects on antihypertensive treatment or with untreated high blood pressure ≤ 170/105 mm Hg was 11.2%; of these only 1.8% had untreated high blood pressure. Of the treated subjects, the treatment was adequate in 82.9%. Obesity, defined as relative body mass index ≤ 120%, was found in 34.0% of all subjects, more frequently in females than in males. The rate of smokers was 28.5%.

A comparison was made with the results of a similar health survey of about 2 300 middle-aged men in Uppsala in 1970–73. The prevalence of angina pectoris was higher among the men of the present survey than among those of the 1970–73 survey, which may at least partly be due to differences in methodology. Relative body weight was higher, and fewer men were regularly active during leisure for at least 2–3 h per week in the present study. The rates of hypertension were similar, but fewer men had untreated high blood pressure and more men were on antihypertensive treatment in the present study. There was a lower frequency of smokers in this study.