Diabetes in the eastern Mediterranean region

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus is a significant health issue in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, exacerbated by socioeconomic development and lifestyle changes.
• Reliable epidemiological data on diabetes prevalence and comparability across the region remain limited.
• Non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM) shows higher prevalence in urban settings and increases with age.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the current epidemiological status of diabetes in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
• To highlight the prevalence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM) and insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM) and associated risk factors.
• To underscore the need for improved diabetes prevention and control strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing epidemiological surveys and national data on diabetes prevalence.
• Application of World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic criteria, including oral glucose tolerance tests.
• Analysis of demographic factors (age, urban/rural) and risk factors (obesity) associated with diabetes.

Main Results:

• A national survey in Oman reported a 10% diabetes prevalence in adults (≥20 years), with 8% of men and 13% of women exhibiting impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).
• Non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM) is strongly associated with obesity (75% of cases) and is more prevalent in urban areas.
• Insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM) appears less common than in Western countries, though regional variability exists; ketoacidosis is a frequent initial presentation.

Conclusions:

• Diabetes poses a substantial public health challenge in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, necessitating urgent attention.
• The findings emphasize the critical need for robust epidemiological surveillance and standardized diagnostic criteria for diabetes.
• Established targets and goals by the WHO Task Force are crucial for effective diabetes prevention and management in the region.