Time trends in diabetes mellitus in Jordan between 1994 and 2017

The prevalence of diabetes has been increasing over the past few decades. The objective of this study is to assess the time trends in diabetes between 1994 and 2017 in Jordan.

Surveys were conducted in 1994, 2004, 2009 and 2017 by the same investigators using generally similar methods. Fasting blood glucose was measured in all surveys. Variables were obtained using structured questionnaires designed specifically for the surveys. Crude and age-specific diabetes prevalence rates were derived for each sex, together with overall, crude and age-standardized prevalence rates.

The prevalence of diabetes in men aged ≥ 25 years increased from 14.2% in 1994 to 18.3% in 2004, 26.8% in 2009 and 32.4% in 2017. The corresponding prevalence rates in women were 12.3%, 16.9%, 18.8%, and 18.1%, respectively. The overall age-standardized prevalence rate increased from 13.0% in 1994 to 17.1% in 2004, 22.2% in 2009 and 23.7% in 2017. Known diabetes in the 2017 survey accounted for 82.6% of people with diabetes. A HbA_1c of < 59 mmol/mol (7.5%) was observed in 41.4% of participants with known diabetes.

The results showed a high prevalence of diabetes in Jordan among people aged ≥ 25 years. Prevalence increased from 1994 to 2009, but slowed thereafter. The increase was greater in men than in women. Previously diagnosed diabetes accounted for a high percentage of people with diabetes in all surveys and was highest in 2017 survey, suggesting that the national strategy against diabetes has brought some benefits. Efforts should be made to improve glycaemic control in people with diabetes.