Abstract: Objective To investigate the prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes in different ethnic groups in the countryside of northwest China, and the possible risk factors. Methods After stratified sampling, the study was performed in all the subjects. Level of fasting blood glucose(PBG 2h) and 2hr postprandial blood glucose were measured in all the participants using Roche's superior blood glucose meter. The FBG higher than 5.60 mmol/L (105mg/dl) and PBG2h higher than 7.8 mmol/L (140 mg/dl) were performed a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Questionnaire for diabetes epidemiological study was used to record the detail of all the subjects. Results The fasting blood glucose starting point was reduced to 5.6 mmol/L, and it was found that there were significant differences of diabetes and pre-diabetes in different ethnic groups (P=0.001) and gender (P=0.047). There were significant difference in the prevalence in different gender groups in both Hui (P=0.022) and Han group (P=0.001). The standardized prevalence of diabetes was higher in Hui (5.87%) than in Han (3.07%). Conclusion There were significant differences in diabetes and pre-diabetes in different ethnic groups, gender, and age. The habits in life of different ethnic groups were possible risk factors. The awareness rate was lower in all the subjects.

Key words: countryside of northwest China, ethnic groups, diabetes, prevalence