Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in a sample of the adult population of Alexandria, Egypt

Aims: To determine the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in a sample of the adult population of Alexandria, Egypt, and to delineate the epidemiologic profile of the disease in this community. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a representative sample of the population. Participants provided demographic data, their medical history, and blood samples for measurement of plasma glucose (fasting and after oral glucose load) and underwent a detailed physical examination. Results: Of 10,640 eligible subjects, 9657 (90.8%) aged 18-90 years agreed to participate (3795 men, 5862 women). We found an age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes of 16.8% (men, 12.7%; women 19.1%); of prediabetes, 14.6% (men, 13.5%; women, 15.2%), and of newly diagnosed diabetes, 5.5% (men, 3.3%; women, 6.6%). Diabetes was most common in people older than 50 years; prediabetes was most common in 30-39-year-old men and in women younger than 20. In logistic regression analysis, factors independently associated with prediabetes were a history of dyslipidaemia, urban residence, and widowhood. Independent associated factors for diabetes were a high waist-to-hip ratio, family history of diabetes, being divorced, history of dyslipidaemia, peripheral arterial disease or hypertension, low education level, and being not working. Conclusions: We found a high prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes in Alexandria, particularly in the middle-aged population. Given globally increasing life expectancies, the number of individuals with diabetes could become particularly challenging to the Egyptian healthcare system. Comprehensive national preventive measures are urgently needed. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.