|
These are prevalence data from the Pacific island country of
Western Samoa at two different times, in 1978 and 1991.
The prevalence of diabetes increased markedly over a
13-year period. This is true in both the rural and urban
populations. The prevalence rate is lower among the rural
inhabitants than the urban ones, a finding reported in
many other populations. The results demonstrate: 1)A
rapid change in diabetes prevalence that can only be
attributed to a changing environment, and 2) Differences
in the prevalence in the same ethnic group (Polynesians)
living in a different environment i.e. rural vs. urban.
|