Blood Glucose and Cholesterol Concentrations in a Mediterranean Rural Population of Andros Island, Greece

BACKGROUND: This study conducted as part of a screening program for the promotion of community health in the primary care setting of Ormos Korthi in Andros, Greece. The objective of this study was to identify the levels of glucose and total cholesterol in individuals without major cardiovascular problems in order to identify cases of undetected dyslipidemia and high blood glucose levels, in a rural population located in the southern part of Andros Island, Greece. METHODS: In total, 242 individuals (152 women, mean age 65.1 ± 12.3 and range 33-91 years) were examined for the determination of serum glucose and total cholesterol levels. Participants were arbitrarily divided into 5 age groups and statistical differences between groups investigated. RESULTS: The mean serum glucose level was 125.1 ± 42.4 mg/dl and the mean total serum cholesterol level was 225.2 ± 44.9 mg/dl. Statistical differences were not observed between the age groups in either the glucose or cholesterol levels. Difference between men and women was not significant regarding glucose levels while women had significantly elevated levels of total cholesterol (P < 0.01). Age was significantly correlated with glucose, but statistical analysis did not show significant correlation between age and total cholesterol levels. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirms that dyslipidemia and high blood glucose levels are prevalent among the rural populations of Greece and therefore informative campaigns and structured screening programs are required to promote preventive health care.