A number of studies report the prevalence of NIDDM (non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus) in Chinese. In HK, Wang & Lam (1998) reported 1 in 5 patients they reviewed had complications, most had retinopathy, 4% nephropathy and 13% neuropathy. The Odds Ratio for nephropathy in Chinese is higher than among Caucasians. Among Chinese diabetics in the PRC, >1 in 3 had retinopathy, 1 in 2 had nephropathy, 1 in 2 were hypertensive, 1 in 4 had CHD, 1 in 4 proteinuria, 1 in 8 stroke and 1% amputation (due to peripheral vascular disease).

Why are there such large differences in complication rates? What reasons can you think of? Write these down below.

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