Why carry out this study?

Previous national reports highlight the high prevalence of diabetes in Iran. Considering the increasing life expectancy of Iranian people, it will inevitably impose a high burden on the Iranian health care system.

Determining the exact sex- and age-standardized prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes and the associated risk factors is essential to improve health care models for management of this chronic disease.

What was learned from the study?

Sex- and age-standardized prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes among Iranian adults aged 35–70 years was 15.0% (95% CI 12.6–17.3) and 25.4% (18.6–32.1), respectively.

Although 79.6% (76.2–82.9) of participants were aware of their diabetes, only 41.2% (37.5–44.8) of patients who received treatment got their diabetes under control.

Since the study conducted in 2011, the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes has been rising in Iran, emphasizing the urgent need for developing and implementing prevention strategies.