[Missed opportunity for timely diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in Afrodescendant communities in the southwest of the state of Bahia, Brazil].

The scope of this study was to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of missed opportunities for timely diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in Afrodescendant communities in Vitoria da Conquista in the state of Bahia. It involved a population-based cross-sectional study based on a probability sample (n=797), where 548 individuals were eligible for analysis considering the risk criteria: age of 45 years old and above, increased Body Mass Index and hypertension. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was estimated at 42.6%. Logistic regression indicated the following statistically associated factors: self-assessed good/very good health conditions; not measuring blood pressure and not consulting with a physician in the past twelve months; and poor access to health services. The high prevalence was associated with factors related to low utilization and poor access to health services. Actions for the diagnosis and prevention of diabetes should prioritize populations at risk, including better education and training of family health care teams, and improvement of attendance at health care units. Enhanced integration between primary and secondary health care actions can positively impact early diagnosis, treatment and reduction of potential complications associated with diabetes in this population.