PREVALENCE OF DIABETES-MELLITUS IN SAUDI-ARABIA

Objective: This study was initiated to determine the prevalence of dia betes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in the childhood a nd adult populations in seven different areas of Saudi Arabia. Method: A household survey was conducted, and fasting and 2-hour'post-glucose load' blood samples were collected from 6368 Saudi males and females and the blood glucose level was estimated. The diagnosis of diabetes m ellitus and IGT was based on the criteria of the World Health Organiza tion. Results: The overall prevalence of insulin-dependent diabetes me llitus (IDDM) and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in t he total population was 0.96% and 4.25%, respectively. The prevalence of NIDDM in females (4.73%) was higher than in males (3.69%), however, the difference was not statistically significant. Children (less than or equal to 14 years) were separated from adults and the prevalence w as calculated in adult males, females and children. The prevalence of NIDDM increased to 6.02% and 7.22% in adult males and females, respect ively. Prevalence of IDDM was higher in children (1.55%)than adults (0 .59%). Impaired glucose tolerance was identified at a higher prevalenc e in adult males (1.69%) than females (1.06%). Differences were encoun tered in the prevalence of diabetes in the different regions of the co untry. Conclusion: The Saudi population can be regarded as a moderate risk population for diabetes mellitus. It is suggested that steps must be taken to improve awareness of the disease and to take measures tow ards prevention and control of this syndrome.