Epidemiology of and Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes in Egypt

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is a fast-growing health problem in Egypt with a significant impact on morbidity, mortality, and health care resources. Currently, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Egypt is around 15.6% of all adults aged 20 to 79.

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

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

Findings: The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has identified Egypt as the ninth leading country in the world for the number of patients with T2D. The prevalence of T2D in Egypt was almost tripled over the last 2 decades. This sharp rise could be attributed to either an increased pattern of the traditional risk factors for T2D such as obesity and physical inactivity and change in eating pattern or other risk factors unique to Egypt. These include increased exposure to environmental risk factors like pesticides and increased prevalence of chronic hepatitis C.

Conclusions: Prevention, early identification, and effective intervention are integral components of effective T2D care in Egypt. These strategies may reduce the expanding economic burden associated with T2D care.

Keywords: Egypt; MENA; diabetes; hepatitis C infection; obesity; pesticide.