Epidemiology of diabetes mellitus - a global and regional perspective

ABSTRACT

Diabetes mellitus [DM] is a global health problem with high morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of DM is on the increase in many parts of the world, especially in the Gulf region. Many studies from this region have reported different prevalence rates for the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Prevalence is estimated at between 9% and 25% in Bahrain, 16.1% in Oman, 21.4% in Kuwait, 16.7% in Qatar, 23.7% in Saudi Arabia and 23.3% in the United Arab Emirates. These reports show that the prevalence of DM is high in Gulf Cooperation Council countries compared with other regions of the world, except for the Pacific islands. A concerted effort is needed to combat the increasing prevalence of DM