Epidemiology and Current Status of Diabetes in Korea

Kim, Sin Gon; Choi, Dong Seop

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is an epidemic worldwide. The worldwide prevalence of diabetes has risen rapidly over the past two decades, from an estimated 30 million cases in 1985 to 177 million in 2000. Especially, the prevalence of diabetes in Korea has explosively increased six to sevenfold from 1.5% to almost 10% during the past 30 years. Furthermore, diabetic patients in Korea suffered from various diabetic complications and diabetes-related mortality has rapidly increased over the last decades. However, the current status of diabetes management was not good. According to an analysis of Korean National Health Insurance Database on Diabetes (2003), only 53% of diabetic patients visited clinics for diabetes management. The proportion of diabetic patients with optimally controlled glycemia (HbA1c<7%), blood pressure (<130/80 mmHg) and dyslipidema (LDL cholesterol <100 mg/dL) were only 40%, 19% and 38%, respectively. If the current trend continues, diabetes would be a disaster in Korea, leading to a greater loss of human and financial resources. To reduce this harmful epidemic, comprehensive and improved public health strategies should be implemented