[Diabetes in Greenland]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Genetics

Background:

• High prevalence of diabetes observed in Greenlandic adults across three population studies.
• Diabetes rates increased from 9% (1999-2001) to 16% (2018) in the adult population.
• Potential contributing factors include genetic predisposition, societal shifts, population aging, and lifestyle modifications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the rising prevalence of diabetes in Greenland.
• To identify contributing factors to the increasing diabetes rates.
• To evaluate the impact of a national diabetes program on care quality.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from three population studies involving over 4,000 Greenlanders.
• Review of factors contributing to diabetes prevalence.
• Assessment of outcomes following the implementation of a national diabetes program in 2008.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in diabetes prevalence among Greenlandic adults was documented.
• Improved diagnostic activity and quality of diabetes care noted post-national program implementation.
• Incidence of diabetic complications appears comparable to Western countries, requiring further investigation.

Conclusions:

• The rising diabetes prevalence in Greenland is likely multifactorial, involving genetic and environmental influences.
• The national diabetes program has positively impacted diabetes care delivery.
• Further research is warranted to confirm the comparability of diabetic complication rates with Western populations.