ObjectiveTo survey the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in adults of Shanghai urban.Methods 9376 adults of Shanghai urban with 30 years old or above of age took 100g steam - bread meal. Among them, 1137 adults whose capillary blood glucose ≥ 6.7mmol/L 2 hours after meal underwent OGTT and measurement of height, body weight and WHR. WHO 1985 standard was used as diagnostic criteria. The results were compared with those diagnosed by ADA 1997 criteria. Results According to WHO criteria, the prevalence of DM of 9376 adults was 3.19%, while the prevalence of IGT was 3.98%. But according to ADA criteria, the prevalence of DM was 3.65%. The prevalence of both DM and IGT were significantly increased along with the increasing of age in those over 40 years. The prevalence of DM and IGT were much higher in patients with BMI ≥ 25 than in those with BMI ＜ 25. There was a tendency of increasing WHR in those with normal glycemia or IGT or diabetes group. And WHR of male with diabetes and IGT were much higher than those of female. Conclusion The prevalence of DM and IGT has been significantly increased in adults of Shanghai urban in recent years. FPG≥7.0mmol/L and 2hPG≥ 11. 1mmol/L should be used simultaneously as diagnostic criteria of DM in epidemiological study.