Diabetes Mellitus and Impaired Glucose Tolerance in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in different areas of Saudi Arabia. A household survey was conducted in 34 different areas of Saudi Arabia. Demographic data and medical history were taken and filled. Fasting and two-hour "post-glucose load" blood samples were collected from 23,493 Saudi males and females and blood glucose was estimated immediately. The diagnoses of DM and IGT were made based on the criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO). Diabetic patients were subgrouped as IDDM and NIDDM on the basis of age of onset and mode of treatment. In the overall group (two to 70 years), the prevalence of IDDM, NIDDM and IGT was 0.193%, 5.503% and 0.498% in the Saudi males and 0.237%, 4.556% and 0.900% in the Saudi females. When grouped on the basis of age, there were 8762 children (<14 years). Of these children, 15 (0.171%) had IDDM and 13 (0.148%) had maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY). The prevalence of IGT in this group was 0.250%. In the 14-70-year age group, the prevalence of IDDM, NIDDM and IGT was 0.239%, 9.50% and 0.717% in the males and 0.248%, 6.820% and 1.347% in the females, respectively. A significant increase (P<0.001) was obvious in the age group >30 years, where the prevalence of NIDDM and IGT rose to 17.32% and 1.30% in the males and 12.18% and 2.2% in the females, respectively. IDDM showed a slight decrease in those over the age of 60 years. These results place Saudi Arabia among the countries that have a high prevalence for DM and a moderate risk for IGT. In light of these findings, it is clear that carefully planned programs are needed to achieve control and prevention of diabetes mellitus in Saudi

Association of Hypertension and Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus in the Saudi Population

“…Physiological maneuvers, such as calorie and salt restriction and regular physical exercise, are shown to improve tissue sensitivity to insulin and hence lower blood pressure both in normotensive and hypertensive diabetics. 16 In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of DM is high, 6,7 and with the increase in prevalence of HT in diabetics, as shown in this study, the associated morbidity and complications are expected to increase. Hence, control of DM and HT by appropriate methods, particularly dietary restriction of calories and sodium, and regular physical exercise, must be stressed in order to decrease both the prevalence of HT and NIDDM.…”

“…Our extensive studies during a national project on DM have shown a high prevalence of NIDDM, obesity, overweight and HT in the Saudis. [6][7][8][9]30 This study on a group of diabetic and nondiabetic Saudis has revealed that the prevalence of HT is significantly higher in the male and female diabetics in comparison to nondiabetics. In males, the prevalence of HT is increased almost 2.6 times in the diabetic group, while in the female diabetics, the prevalence of HT is increased almost 5.7 times.…”

Lipids and Related Parameters in Saudi Type II Diabetes Mellitus Patients

“…The screening procedure and the results of these investigations have been published elsewhere. [14][15][16][17][18][19][20] The patients suffering from diabetes mellitus were diagnosed, based on the criteria published by the World Health Organization, [21][22] as follows: Fasting venous blood glucose ≥6.7 mmol/L (120 mg/dL) and/or two-hour post-glucose load ≥10.0 mmol/L (≥180 mg/dL) were considered diabetic. 21,22 Differential diagnosis between non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type II DM) and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type I) was based on the age of onset and the mode of treatment.…”

A study of Hassawi rice (Oryza sativa L.) in terms of its carbohydrate hydrolysis (in vitro) and glycaemic and insulinaemic indices (in vivo)

“…In Saudi Arabia, in particular, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus has increased dramatically (El-Hazmi and Warsy, 1989;El-Hazmi et al, 1998). Within the last 20 years the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Saudi adults has increased by sixfold (Fatani et al, 1987;Al-Nozha et al, 2004).…”