ABSTRACT
Diabetes Mellitus [DM], particularly type-2 is a major public health concern worldwide. Studies from UAE report that among the total cases of DM, 31% are type-2. Not much information is available with regard to the incidence of DM in UAE. This study aimed at determining the incidence rate of diabetes mellitus among Emirati population in Ajman, UAE. This study was conducted in all PHCs [Madinath, Hamidiya, Musherif, Muzeireh and Manama] and Khalifa and GMC hospitals, Ajman, UAE where the Emirati population primarily go for diagnosis and treatment. The incident cases of diabetes mellitus were collected during the period 2010 January to December. From the case files of 2010, data was abstracted / extracted retrospectively, for all those who were newly diagnosed to have diabetes mellitus. A total of 158 cases detected in 2010, 54 were among non-Emiratis and one was type-1 diabetes. Eliminating these, the remaining 101 were included in the analysis. The age of the patients ranged from 23 years to 78 years; 35 [34.7%] males and 66 [65.3%] were females. The overall incidence observed was 4.8/1000PY with a female predominance of 6.3/1000PY against incidence among males of 3.3/1000PY. With regard to age specific incidence rate among males, it increases with age till 60 years and then showed a decreasing trend. Among females also the same trend was observed but not as similar to males. The highest incidence rate was observed in the 55-59 aged groups among males, 23.4/1000PY and females, 32.4/1000PY. Among males the incidence rate was much less compared to females in - the age groups older than 59 years. Studies from other parts of the world report incidence rates, 4.3/1000PY [UK-2005], 5.3/1000PY [USA-2004] and 6.3/1000PY [Canada-2011]. This study also observed a similar incidence