Type II Diabetes Mellitus in Arabic-Speaking Countries

Abstract

The global epidemic of diabetes has not spared the Arabic-speaking countries, which have some of the highest prevalence of type II diabetes. This is particularly true of the Arab Gulf, a conglomerate of high income, oil-producing countries where prevalence rates are the highest. The prevalence rates among adults of the Arabic speaking countries as a whole range between 4%-21%, with the lowest being in Somalia and the highest in Kuwait. As economic growth has accelerated, so has the movement of the populations to urban centers where people are more likely to adopt lifestyles that embrace increased high-calorie food consumption and sedentary lifestyles. These factors likely contribute to the increased prevalence of obesity and diabetes in the Arabic speaking countries.

Figure 1

Prevalence of T2DM in urban and rural areas in the Arabic-speaking countries according to IDF estimates 2011 [3].

Figure 2

The dietary energy consumption per person, in kcal per day, for the period 1995–1997. Data are according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations [66]. Energy consumption during 1995–1997. Kcal: A unit of measurement of dietary energy. One kcal equals 1,000 calories, and one kJ equals 1,000 joules.

Figure 3

Percent of the population of selected countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region reporting low levels of daily exercise. Data are according to the STEPwise survey [78].

Figure 4

Industrial investment, military, education, and health expenses as a percentage of GDP in selected Arabic-speaking countries. GDP: gross domestic product. Sources: health expenditure [97], industrial investment, education, and military expenditure [98].