[The prevalence of late complications of type II diabetes mellitus].

Prevalence of late complications determined in a representative group of 137 patients with type II diabetes mellitus and a control group of 128 persons without diabetes from the same population. Retinopathy was not rare in type II diabetes mellitus (prevalence 35%), but only 50% of diabetic patients had proper ophthalmological care. Microalbuminuria was found in 42% of the patients with diabetes mellitus, although serious renal dysfunction was seldom found. The ratio of serious diabetic foot problems was 5%. Neuropathy and macrovascular problems occurred more frequently in the diabetic group, but above 70 years of age there was a remarkable reduction in difference between diabetics and non-diabetics with regard to these complications. In microalbuminuria the same tendency was observed. The cause of this reduction in difference at an older age is discussed.