The prevalence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) as defined by WHO criteria was studied in a rural community of Hiroshima. All the inhabitants over the age of 30 were asked to participate in this study, during the month of December in 1990 and 1991. Eventually, 307 males (23.2%) and 620 females (41.5%) agreed to participate and had an oral glucose tolerance test (75g of glucose).
The crude prevalence rates of NIDDM were 11.4% for males and 6.9% for females, and the adjusted prevalence rates by population in 1985 were 9.5% for males and 4.5% for females, respectively.
The results suggest that both males and females over the age of 50 showed a higher-rate of prevalence than those under the age of 50.

Diabetic patients must keep on exercising self-management for life in order to prevent diabetic complications and hold in check the progress of the disease. Moreover, fighting against the disease is an integral part of everyday life. Depending on the condition, patients may have to switch over to another treatment method in a short space of time. Such patients accept the alteration without proper understanding of it, although physicians thought they had given full explanations to the patients. There are some patients who cannot adequately communicate with their doctors. They blame the exacerbation of the condition on their poor self-management, get depressed and eventually driven to desperation. Tired out of long years of the life under medical treatment, diabetics may want to have someone to talk to or to turn to for advice. Doctors and nurses ought to understand their feelings, listen to them, give proper instruction, and review it later. For this purpose, medical institutions should have a counselor's office easy of access by patients and their families.
seconds ; Counselors ; Office ; Solutions ; Doctors

In order to assess the influence of habitual alcohol consumption on hepatic and pancreatic function, and on the disposal of carbohydrate and lipid, determination of serum hepatic and pancreatic enzyme levels, and serum glucose, insulin and triglyceride on oral glucose challenge was made in relation with the amount of consumed alcohol.
1. GOT, GPT and γ-GTP levels increased correlated with daily alcohol consumption, and γ-GTP was the most sensitive marker for alcohol consumption.
2. Habitual alcohol consumption reduced serum amylase and increased elastase 1 and trypsin, while the excursion of these enzyme levels remained within normal range. Because people with elastase 1 or trypsin levels beyond normal range was found more frequently than with amylase, the former two pancreatic enzymes might be better marker of alcoholic pancreatic injury than the latter one.
3. Alcohol dependency in daily caloric requirement elevated serum glucose and triglyceride in fasting and 2 hours after glucose challenge. Hyperinsulinemia after glucose challenge might indicate that moderate daily alcohol consumption induces insulin resistance resulting in deteriorated glucose disposal.

The future of Japanese agriculture depends a great deal on the young adult. In this study, preventive health strategies for young people living in a farming area are discussed. The following is a summary of the conclusions we have arrived at.
1. There is much to be desired in their eating habits. Hence, the necessity of drawing up adequate guidelines and educational programs.
2. Young men must be dissuaded from smoking cigarettes and drinking a lot.
3. There is too much stress in living and working environments.
4. Overworking must be avoided.
5. Individuals must realize the importance of protecting and promoting their own health.