Epidemiology, Clinical and Complications Profile of Diabetes in Saudi Arabia: A Review

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is emerging as a major public health probelm in Saudi Arabia in parallel with the worldwide diabetes pandemic, which is having a particular impact upon the Middle East and the third world. This pandemic has accompanied the adoption of a modern lifestyle and the abandonment of a traditional lifestyle, with a resultant increase in rates of obesity and other chronic non-communicable diseases. The indigenous Saudi population seems to have a special genetic predisposition to develop type 2 diabetes, which is further amplified by a rise in obesity rates, a high rate of consanguinity and the presence of other variables of the insulin resistance syndrome. We highlight the epidemiology, clinical and complications profiles of diabetes in Saudi people. Diabetes is well studied in Saudi Arabia; however, there seems to be little research in the area of education and health care delivery. This is of paramount importance to offset the perceived impact on health care delivery services, to lessen chronic diabetes complications, and to reduce the expected morbidity and mortality from diabetes.

Association between FTO, MC4R, SLC30A8, and KCNQ1 gene variants and type 2 diabetes in Saudi population

“…The rise in the incidence of this metabolic disease can be attributed to changes in lifestyle and diet and genetic components that interact with the environment. The incidence of diabetes among the people of Saudi Arabia has increased considerably, likely because of recent changes in lifestyle or diet (Elhadd et al, 2007). However, it is also possible that certain genetic predispositions contribute to these epidemic levels of T2DM.…”

“…Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) affects more than 200 million individuals, and its prevalence is constantly increasing in most countries, including Saudi Arabia. Although the precise mechanisms underlying the development and progression of T2DM have not been fully elucidated, a combination of multiple genetic and environmental factors is considered to contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease (Wild et al, 2004;Elhadd et al, 2007;Unoki et al, 2008). It is generally accepted that T2DM is a multi-factorial disease, in which disease development is influenced by many risk factors (van Tilburg et al, 2001;Lee, 2009;Staiger et al, 2009).…”

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus in a Saudi community

“…The Saudi population is over 18 million and is rapidly growing. Previous national health surveys have provided information on the prevalence in the northwestern, southwestern, northern, eastern and central provinces 23. Quantifying the prevalence of diabetes and the number of people affected by diabetes, now and in the future, is important to allow for rational planning and allocation of resources.…”

Limb Salvage Surgery and Wound Treatment in the Establishment of Globally Standardized Diabetes, Amputation, and Limb Salvage Centers to Address Lower Extremity Morbidity and Mortality in Thailand

“…[10][11][12] The latest International Diabetes Federation estimates suggest that 380 million people will be affected by diabetes by 2025, with 1 person dying every 10 seconds. 13 More than 2.9 million deaths yearly are attributed to diabetes worldwide.…”