Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-15-2021

Keywords

Type 2 diabetes, Middle East and North Africa, Epidemiology, Prevalence, Prediabetes, Complications

Disciplines

Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism | Public Health

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes continues to be a serious and highly prevalent public health problem worldwide. In 2019, the highest prevalence of diabetes in the world at 12.2%, with its associated morbidity and mortality, was found in the Middle East and North Africa region. In addition to a genetic predisposition in its population, evidence suggests that obesity, physical inactivity, urbanization, and poor nutritional habits have contributed to the high prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes in the region. These risk factors have also led to an earlier onset of type 2 diabetes among children and adolescents, negatively affecting the productive years of the youth and their quality of life. Furthermore, efforts to control the rising prevalence of diabetes and its complications have been challenged and complicated by the political instability and armed conflict in some countries of the region and the recent coronavirus disease 2019. Broad strategies, coupled with targeted interventions at the regional, national, and community levels are needed to address and curb the spread of this public health crisis.

Publication Title

World Journal of Diabetes

Publisher

Baishideng

Volume

12

Issue

9

First Page

1401

ISSN

1948-9358

DOI

10.4239/wjd.v12.i9.1401

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