Incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the Americas

Objective. To present the incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the Americas as found through a thorough review of published information on the subject. Methods. Data were obtained through a comprehensive review using the MEDLINE and BIREME bibliographical databases. In addition, government publications, conference reports, and meeting documents were identified by contacting government and nongovernmental orga-nizations and other institutions. Incidence and prevalence rates were adjusted by age and sex, when possible, by the direct method using the world Segi population as the standard. The 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the Poisson distribution or the normal distribution. Results. Diabetes mellitus represents a major public health problem in the Americas, and there is evidence that its prevalence is increasing in some countries. Conclusions. Given that most Latin American and Caribbean nations are experiencing a demographic transition, it is expected that the prevalence of diabetes will continue to increase rapidly in the near future. Despite the economic constraints faced by the countries of the Amer-icas, there is a clear need for more efforts in the area of diabetes prevention and control. Diabetes, prevalence, Region of the Americas