Abstract
We examined frequency, metabolic state, and complications of diabetes mellitus among day-laborers living in Sanya-District, Tokyo Metropolis. Among about 2, 000 day-laborers who visited Johoku Welfare Center Clinic between April 1987 and March 1988, 222 subjects were selected for this study, based on past history of diabetes or positive urine sugar test. Among these subjects, 166 were diagnosed as having non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus on the basis of elevated plasma glucose or the presence of diabetic retinopathy. The estimated over all prevalence of diabetes was 3.2%. The 166 diabetics were 51±7 yrs of age (Mean±SD). In addition, 134 (83%) were alcohol-drinkers. At the first visit, HbA1 showed a unimod a distribution with a peak at 11-11.9%, although random plasma glucose levels produced a bimodal distribution with two peaks at 250-299 and 500-549mg/dl.Retinopathy and proteinuria were found in 26% and 34%, respectively. Achilles tendon reflex was diminished or absent in 64%. Chronic liver diseases, such as liver cirrhosis, wen found in 103 (62%). Circulatory diseases and respiratory diseases, including pulmonary tuberculosis were found in 46 (28%) and 41 (25%), respectively.
The prevalences of diabetes and diabetic complications in Sanya-District patients seem to be similar to those of previous reports in Japan. Many of the diabetics in Sanya-District had poor metabolic control. High frequencies of chronic liver disease and pulmonary tuberculosis were notable in Sanya-District diabetics.
