Abstract

Objective: We examined prevalences of previously diagnosed diabetes, and undiagnosed diabetes and high risk for diabetes using recently suggested A1c criteria, in the U.S. during 2003-2006. We compared these prevalences to those in earlier surveys and those using glucose criteria.

Research Design and Methods: In 2003-2006, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey included a probability sample of 14,611 individuals aged ≥12 years. Participants were classified on glycemic status by interview for diagnosed diabetes and by A1c, fasting, and 2-hour glucose challenge values measured in subsamples.

Results: Using A1c criteria, the crude prevalence of total diabetes in adults age ≥20 years was 9.6% (20.4 million), of which 19.0% was undiagnosed (7.8% diagnosed, 1.8% undiagnosed using A1c ≥6.5%). Another 3.5% of adults (7.4 million) were at high risk for diabetes (A1c 6.0-<6.5%). Prevalences were disproportionately high in the elderly. Age/sex-standardized prevalence was >2 times higher in non-Hispanic blacks and Mexican Americans vs. non-Hispanic whites for diagnosed, undiagnosed, and total diabetes (p<0.003); standardized prevalence at high risk for diabetes was >2 times higher in non-Hispanic blacks vs. non-Hispanic whites and Mexican Americans (p<0.00001). Since 1988-1994, diagnosed diabetes generally increased, while the percent of diabetes that was undiagnosed and the percent at high risk of diabetes generally decreased. Using A1c criteria, prevalences of undiagnosed diabetes and high risk of diabetes were one-third that and one-tenth that, respectively, using glucose criteria.

Conclusions: Although A1c detects much lower prevalences than glucose criteria, hyperglycemic conditions remain high in the U.S., and elderly and minority groups are disproportionately affected.