Diabetes mellitus [DM] in Sudan: an epidemiological approach

ABSTRACT

There is an increasing number of patient with DM worldwide. Globally there is a change in the style of life. This change is even remarkable in underdeveloped countries, particularly African ones. New ways include tendency to sedentary life, lack of exercise, diabetogenic nutrition which lead to increased number of obese persons. In Sudan DM is taking the proportions of epidemic. So many Sudanese are now educated, immigrated en masse to overseas areas particularly Gulf countries and essentially leading a sedentary life. The prevalence of DM among them is estimated to be 3.4% over 25 year of age. The lowest in the Western Sudan, 0.9% but high in Khartoum, 8.6%. Even higher in Danagla tribe where it reached 10.4%. Complications of the disease are associated with pregnancy and type on diabetes. Poor control, due to lack of resources, enhances complications. DM has a negative impact on quality of life. Local limited resources affect continuation of treatment. On the other hand, simple traditional foods could be improved and utilized effectively targeting towards better diabetes care. It is recommended that more resources should be allocated, and that is with the help of the international community and non-governmental societies, to promote and diabetic care