Relationship between diabetes mellitus, impaired glucose tolerance and age, menopause, pregnancy: a survey of 5153 women in Shenzhen

Objective To investigate the relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) including impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and the factors of age, menopause, and pregnancy. Methods A systemic epidemiological survey was conducted in 5153 women, aged 20 years and above. Results The prevalence of DM was 4.58%, and IGT 12.83%. In those subjects with DM less than 59 years old and those with IGT less than the age of 49, the prevalence was parallel to the increase of age. Ten years might lead the IGT subjects into DM. Moreover, the prevalence of DM and IGT after menopause were significantly high. It was found that the prevalence of DM and IGT in mothers who had conceived giant baby was significantly higher than that of the others. Conclusions Therapeutic emphasis should be laid on the population of women in the age between 50 and 59, while the management of IGT women is equally important. The early intervention of IGT subjects in the age between 40 and 49 is essential in decreasing the prevalence of DM. Disorders of the endocrine system during climacteric might play an important role in the development of DM and IGT. Moreover, the mothers who have conceived giant babies are at great risk for DM, and thus, this population should be closely monitored.