Epidemiology of diabetes mellitus in relation to other cardiovascular risk factors in Lebanon

Abstract

A study of 2518 Lebanese subjects (1138 males, 1380 females) aged 30 years and over revealed an overall prevalence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance of 13.1% and 6.0% respectively. The prevalence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus was similar in both sexes, while impaired glucose tolerance was slightly higher among females; both increased steadily with age. The main risk factor was obesity (55% in males, 67% in females). Participants with diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance were more likely to have heart disease, and had slightly higher blood pressure and serum triglycerides.