Undiagnosed diabetes mellitus and related factors in East Gojjam (NW Ethiopia) in 2016: a community-based study

Abstract

IntroductionCurrently, diabetes is the second most common non-communicable disease (NCD) in Ethiopia. Its burden is 4.8% in this country, even though three quarter of its population live with undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM), which causes complications like heart failure, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves damages. Early detection of DM is vital for a timely intervention to prevent these life threatening complications. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of undiagnosed DM and related factors in East Gojjam, North West Ethiopia, in 2016.Materials and methodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 757 individuals in East Gojjam from June to September 2016. The sampled population was selected using multi-stage cluster sampling method. Basic data were collected in Amharic (local language) and a pretested interviewer administered the questionnaire. Peripheral blood samples were collected by puncturing the ring finger in order to measure fasting blood glucose. Univarite and multivariate logistic regressions analysis were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0.ResultsThe percentage of undiagnosed DM in the study area was 11.5% (95%CI=9.2, 13.7). The prevalence was 11.3% among male vs. 11.8% among female; 13.4% in urban areas vs. 10.3% in rural areas. The occurrence of undiagnosed DM was mainly associated with older age (AOR=5.99, 95%CI=1.54, 23.24), family history of diabetes (AOR=9.86, 95%CI=4.25, 22.89), history of gestational diabetes (AOR=3.01, 95%CI=1.17, 8.39) and sedentary behaviour >4 hours per day (AOR=2.13, 95%CI=1.04, 4.34). Being non-smoker (AOR=0.05, 95%CI=0.01, 0.17) and unmarried (AOR=0.09, 95%CI=0.02, 0.42) were also predictive characteristics for undiagnosed DM in the study area.ConclusionsIn conclusion, this study revealed a relatively high prevalence of undiagnosed DM in the study area. The occurrence of undiagnosed DM was significantly higher when associated with the age of the participants, their marital status, history of hypertension, diabetes family history, history of gestational diabetes mellitus, current smoking practices and sedentary behaviour. Thus, efforts have to be made, particularly by the individuals involved in health practice, to early detect the disease and thereby initiate a suitable therapeutic service, before complications ariseSignificance for public healthCurrently, diabetes is the second most common non-communicable disease in Ethiopia. Its burden is 4.8% in this country, though three quarter of its population live with undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM), which could lead to several complications such as heart failure, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves damages. Evidence shows that the disease is increasing through time. Early detection of DM is vital for a timely intervention to prevent life-threatening complications. Efforts should be made by politicians, decision makers and other healthy institutions to implement screening modality and early interventions.

Prevalence of Undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Associated Factors Among the Malaysian Population: The 2015 National Health and Morbidity Survey, Malaysia

“…This is probably due to increasing tendency to exercise less or being physical inactive, loss of muscle mass and gaining weight with age. It has been established that the more abundant the fatty tissue in the body, the more resistant are the cells to insulin (Wondemagegn et al, 2017). This finding is similar to findings from Azimi-Nezhad et al in Iran (R & M J, 2008) which showed that further age-related glucose intolerance is related to decreased insulin sensitivity and decreased β-cell function (Shih, Tseng, & Article, 2009).…”

“…The pathophysiology of T2DM are complex and interwoven and hence it is important to identify its risk factors. Socio-demographic factors were also found to be associated with prevalence of T2DM such as age (Wondemagegn et al, 2017), gender (Goto et al, 2015), higher BMI (Goto et al, 2015) and co-morbidities such as hypertension (Wondemagegn et al, 2017). This study aims to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed T2DM and to identify its associated factors in Malaysia.…”

<p>Epidemiology of General, Central Obesity and Associated Cardio-Metabolic Risks Among University Employees, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study</p>

“…14,15 Moreover, among urban dwellers in Ethiopia, about 64.8% of hypertensive subjects and 53.4% of diabetic subjects were estimated to be undiagnosed. 16,17 Previous regional studies used IDF criteria to estimate cardio-metabolic risks and the association of anthropometric indices among bank workers, school teachers, policemen, and other general population. [18][19][20] The IDF recommended Asians and Sub-Saharan Africans (SSA) to use the Europid driven cut off point to define central (abdominal) obesity which is a known indicator and predictor for cardiometabolic risks.…”

Central obesity, not BMI explains cardio-metabolic risks among university employees, Ethiopia – a cross-sectional study

“…Moreover, among urban dwellers in Ethiopia, about 64.8% of hypertensive subjects and 53.4% of diabetic subjects were estimated to be undiagnosed (16,17).…”