Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Visiting PHC in the Dubai Health Authority

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is a highly prevalent global and local major health problem according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and will double by 2045. A strong relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes has been found. Both are leading causes of cardiovascular disease and death; thus, understanding the prevalence of obesity in type 2 diabetes is crucial for planning obesity management and preventing complications. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight among people with type 2 diabetes attending primary healthcare centers (PHC) in the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Methods: The study sample consisted of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who attended family medicine clinics in primary healthcare centers in DHA. All cases with type 2 diabetes attending family clinics for their periodic health checkup screening were included in the study. Patients <18 years old, pregnant, and/or those with cancer and/or chronic kidney disease were excluded. Results: Our study sample had 9,198 type 2 diabetes mellitus cases with 51.6% males, 69.7% United Arab Emirates nationals, 7.9% who exercised regularly, and 1.8% who followed a healthy diet. Obesity and overweight cases were 49.5% and 35.5%, respectively. Conclusion: Without an aggressive obesity management approach, control of diabetes is difficult. The prevalence of obesity and overweight among people with type 2 diabetes is high. Obesity and overweight cases were 49.5% and 35.5%, respectively, among diabetic patients attending PHC. Over 50% (55%) of UAE nationals were obese, while 31.8% were overweight, suggesting that active interventions to control weight gain would be appropriate.