Chapter 5.2: Major public health problems — diabetes

N Every year in Sweden some 40 per 100,000 children under 15 years of age, and about 200 per 100,000 adults, contract diabetes. N The incidence of diabetes is increasing among children and young people (up to 14 years) but appears to be declining among younger adults (15–34 years). N An affluent lifestyle with increased energy intake in childhood is associated with an increase in type 1 diabetes among children and young people. To prevent both types of diabetes, 1 and 2, a focus on energy intake is needed. N The incidence of diabetes among adults is not yet increasing even though weight and body mass indexes have risen. In the longer term, however, incidence will probably increase. N Mortality from diabetes has declined by 28% among women and has remained largely constant among men since 1980. Excess mortality among diabetics has declined for women but not for men. N An estimated 300,000 people have diabetes in Sweden, of whom just over one tenth have type 1. Diabetes is somewhat more common among men than among women – approximately 3.5 and 2.8%, respectively. N The prevalence of diabetes has increased by just over 40% since 1980. The number of diabetics has increased by 50% partly due to changed age structure and partly to reduced mortality from diabetes. N People with low educational level or in blue-collar occupations are diabetics considerably more often particularly if they are men. Among female blue-collar workers, psychosocial factors and lifestyle both contribute to the development of diabetes; among male blue-collar workers, chiefly lifestyle. N Diabetes is more common among adult immigrants, especially those born outside Europe. N Diabetes is appreciably more common among physically inactive adults than among active people. N Smoking is equally common among diabetics and among the population in general even though diabetic smokers run a markedly higher risk of cardiovascular disease.