The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in Brazil amongst individuals between 30 and 69 years old is 7.6%. It was estimated that 46.4% of the cases are undiagnosed. The aim of this study was to detect hyper-glycemia (fasting glucose >126mg/dl) amongst individuals hospitalized in Passo Fundo, RS. All patients over 39 years admitted to a hospital between September 1997 and February 1998 were eligible. Diabetics, patients using corticosteroids, in acute phase of ischemic circulatory disease or in the early post surgical convalescence period were excluded. Data on personal and family history were obtained. Weight, height, waist and hip circumferences were used to calculate the body mass index (BMI) and the waist to hip ratio (WHR), respectively. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was obtained using Glucotide® sticks and read by Glucometer 4® reflectometer. Hyperglycemia was diagnosed if fasting glucose level was higher than 126mg/dl. Amongst 147 individuals eligible for the study 6 (4.1%) were found to have hyperglycemia. The prevalence was similar in the four hospitals. Using a bivariate analysis it was found that hyperglycemic patients had WHR higher than non-hyperglycemics (F= 4.2; p= 0.04). Using multiple logistic regression no significant association was found in hyperglycemic patients, but the age (p= 0.36) and the BMI (p= 0.20) may indicate a possible association if more patients were included. The prevalence of 4.1% of undiagnosed hyperglycemia amongst inpatients was considered high and probably these patients had type 2 DM. Possibly, hospitalized individuals with higher BMI, WHR and older, could have an increased risk of having undiagnosed hyperglycemia in Passo Fundo.
Hyperglycemia; Screening for diabetes; Diabetes type 2
