Diabetes mellitus as a health problem in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

A total of 25 337 Saudis [11 713 males (46.2%) and 13 624 females (53.8%)] were screened for diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance using WHO criteria for diagnosis. The prevalence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance in the total Saudi male population was 0.23%, 5.63% and 0.50% respectively, and in the total Saudi female population was 0.30%, 4.53% and 0.72% respectively. Differences were observed in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance between the provinces. Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus increased to 28.82% and 24.92% in males and females respectively over the age of 60 years, while impaired glucose tolerance increased to 1.60% and 3.56%.