[Diabetes prevalence estimated using a standard algorithm based on electronic health data in various areas of Italy].

Aims: the goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of diabetes through record linkage of various data sources in four Italian areas.

Setting: Aulss 12 Veneziana, Aulss 4 Alto vicentino, Torino, ASL10 of Firenze.

Participants: all 2002 to 2004 residents in the four areas (n = 2,123,913 on 30th June 2003).

Socio-economic differences in the prevalence of diabetes in Italy: the population-based Turin study.

Background And Aims: A surveillance programme on diabetes based on administrative data is being implemented in the city of Turin, Italy. The aim of this study is to assess socio-economic differences in the prevalence of diabetes in this large Italian population-based cohort.

Methods And Results: People with known diabetes resident in Turin on July 31, 2003 were identified through three data sources: the regional register of persons with diabetes, hospital discharges and prescriptions for antidiabetic drugs.

[The Piedmont Diabetes Register: opportunities and limits for epidemiological purposes].

Diabetes has a heavy impact on both population health and expenditure for health care. Epidemiological surveillance of the disease and monitoring of the health care provided to people with diabetes are priorities of the Italian Ministry of Health. A regional diabetes register (PDR) has been operating in Piedmont since 1989.