Diabetes mellitus and associated diseases from Ethiopian perspective: Systematic review

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is recognized as one of the major non-communicable diseases in Ethiopia. However, the overall features associated with DM are not well documented and updated regularly. Objective: This paper is focused on reviewing and updating the literature on diabetes mellitus, its features, complications, and associated communicable diseases in Ethiopia. Methods: The researcher has carried out a systematic review of research papers published from 1970 to 2013 on DM and associated diseases in Ethiopia. Results and discussion: According to International Diabetes Federation, IDF 2012 report, the prevalence of DM in Ethiopia stands at 3.32 %. However, DM prevalence of as high as 8% has been reported in 2013 on HIV/AIDS patients taking HAART, in Ethiopia. Major DM related complications include: hypertension, neuropathy, and DM foot disease. The prevalence of these diseases has risen from 12.1%, 27.7%, and 1.7% in 1976-1997, to 34.1%, 29.5%, and 4.6 % respectively in 2005 to 2009. On the other hand, retinopathy prevalence looks stable at around 33.3% for long period. On the other hand, the prevalence of infectious diseases such as: UTI, HCV and tuberculosis that is associated with DM reaches up to 17.8%, 9.9%, and 8.5 % respectively. But, no study has been conducted confirming whether DM increases infectious diseases occurrences or vice versa. Conclusion: DM occurrences and complications have been increasing throughout the country. Thus, the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders need to join hands to prevent and control the prevalence and sufferings associated with DM. Especially, more emphasis should be given to raise the awareness of the general public about the disease.