Prevalence of Prediabetes and Undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes in France: Results from the National Survey ESTEBAN, 2014-2016

Aim: To assess the prevalence of prediabetes, undiagnosed diabetes and diagnosed diabetes in France, among adults between 2014 and 2016 using data from the nationwide Esteban survey.

Methods: National cross-sectional study conducted between 2014 and 2016 in metropolitan France. Individuals aged 18 to 74 were recruited with a 3-stage geographic sampling. They completed two face-to-face interviews, filled in a self-administered questionnaire and underwent a medical examination with the collection of biological samples. Their data were linked to the National Health Data System to identify anti-diabetic drugs reimbursement. Prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes were defined as no diagnosis of diabetes and 6.1 mmol/l ≤ Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) < 7.0 mmol/l for prediabetes and FPG ≥ 7.0 mmol/l for undiagnosed diabetes. Non-pharmacologically treated diabetes and pharmacologically treated diabetes were defined as self-reported diabetes without or with self-reported or reimbursed antidiabetic medication, respectively. Estimated prevalence were weighted to take into account survey design and non-response.

Results: The ESTEBAN survey recruited 3476 adults, 2270 were included in this analysis. The weighted prevalence was 1.7% [1.1 - 2.4] for undiagnosed diabetes (men: 2.7%, women; 0.9%), 9.9% [8.3 - 11.5] for prediabetes (men: 13.2%, women: 7.0%), 5.7% [4.3 - 7.1] for diagnosed diabetes. Among the diagnosed cases, 79% were pharmacologically treated. Among all diabetes cases, 23% were undiagnosed.

Conclusion: The prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes is increasing in France. Our results highlight the need to increase primary prevention and reinforce secondary prevention of diabetes.