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Type 2 Diabetes in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

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Diabetes Mellitus in Developing Countries and Underserved Communities

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is a growing public health problem in the MENA region with a significant impact on morbidity, mortality, and healthcare resources. Currently, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the MENA region is estimated at 9.7 %.

Objective: To describe the epidemiology, principal causes, associated risk factors, cultural aspects, and challenges that contribute to the rapid rise in T2D in MENA.

Methods: Review of papers in PubMed and relevant gray literature.

Findings: The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has identified the MENA region as having the highest prevalence of diabetes in the world. Approximately 37 million people have diabetes and this number is expected to rise dramatically. This increase may be attributed to multiple risk factors, including an increased prevalence of obesity, physical inactivity, and change in dietary patterns. In addition, there are factors unique to MENA that contribute to the diabetes epidemic. These include cultural factors and the increased prevalence of hepatitis C in few countries.

Conclusion: Prevention, early identification, and effective intervention are key components to effective T2D care in MENA. These strategies may reduce the expanding economic burden associated with T2D care.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Adult Diabetes Section, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, USA

    Yasmin Khan MD, MPH

  2. Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Osama Hamdy MD, PhD, FACE

Authors
  1. Yasmin Khan MD, MPH
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  2. Osama Hamdy MD, PhD, FACE
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Correspondence to Yasmin Khan MD, MPH .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA

    Sam Dagogo-Jack

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Khan, Y., Hamdy, O. (2017). Type 2 Diabetes in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). In: Dagogo-Jack, S. (eds) Diabetes Mellitus in Developing Countries and Underserved Communities. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41559-8_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41559-8_4

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

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