Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and glucose intolerance in the Setif area (Algeria).

Objective: Diabetes mellitus stands as a major public health issue in Algeria and has an important socioeconomical impact. Our study involved a representative sample of 1457 subjects and aimed at assessing the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and glucose intolerance in the population of Setif Wilaya, aged between 30 and 64 years old. Material and Methods: Diagnosis was based on oral glucose tolerance test, according to World Health Organisation criteria. Results: Diabetes prevalence was 8.2% (CI: 95%: 6.8% to 9.6%). It increased with age, while 50% of cases were undiagnosed, without any difference according to sex nor urban (7.3%)/rural (9.7%) distribution. Glucose intolerance prevalence was 7.1 (CI 95%: 5,8% to 8,4%). Age-standardized prevalence, according to world population data provided by WHO, was 9.08% for diabetes and 7.5% for glucose intolerance. When the new American Diabetes Association Criteria were used, prevalence of type 2 diabetes was 8.8 (CI: 95%: 7.3% to 10.2%) and that of fasting hyperglycemia was 6.9% (CI: 95%: 5.6 to 8.2). According to these new criteria, among the 66 cases with undiagnosed diabetes, 79% presented with a fasting blood glucose greater than or equal to 126 mg/dl. Conclusion: This relatively high diabetes prevalence calls for an appropriate management and health education, particularly focused on high risk subjects. These results bring the the first detailed prevalence data in an Algerian population.