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Meta-Analysis
. 2019 May 22;9(5):e024345.
doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024345.

Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in women of childbearing age in Africa during 2000-2016: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Tawanda Chivese  1   2   3 , Mahmoud M Werfalli  1 , Itai Magodoro  4 , Rekai Lionel Chinhoyi  5 , A P Kengne  6 , Shane A Norris  3 , Naomi S Levitt  1   5
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in women of childbearing age in Africa during 2000-2016: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Tawanda Chivese et al. BMJ Open. .

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this research was to estimate the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), in African women of childbearing age.

Study design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant African studies published from January 2000 to December 2016.

Data sources: We searched several databases, including EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, grey literature and references of included studies.

Setting: Studies carried out in African communities or any population-based studies were included.

Participants: We included studies, carried out in Africa, with non-pregnant women of childbearing age. Studies must have been published between the years 2000 and 2016.

Outcomes: The primary outcome was prevalent T2DM. The secondary outcomes were IFG and IGT.

Data extraction and synthesis: Two reviewers independently extracted data and, using the adapted Hoy risk of bias tool, independently assessed for risk of bias. We used random-effects meta-analysis models to pool prevalence estimates across studies. We used Cochran's Q statistic and the I2 statistic to assess heterogeneity.

Results: A total of 39 studies from 27 countries were included, totaling 52 075 participants, of which 3813 had T2DM. The pooled prevalence of T2DM was 7.2% (95% CI 5.6% to 8.9%) overall and increased with age. The pooled prevalence was 6.0% (95% CI 4.2% to 8.2%) for impaired fasting glycemia while the prevalence of IGT ranged from 0.9% to 37.0% in women aged 15-24 and 45-54 years, respectively. Substantial heterogeneity across studies was not explained by major studies characteristics such as period of publication, rural/urban setting or whether a study was nationally representative or not.

Conclusion: This review highlights the need for interventions to prevent and control diabetes in African women of childbearing age, in view of the significant prevalence of T2DM and prediabetes.

Prospero registration number: CRD42015027635.

Keywords: Africa; impaired fasting glucose; impaired glucose tolerance; prevalence; type 2 diabetes mellitus; women of childbearing age.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flowchart showing search, selection of and final included studies. IGT, impaired glucose tolerance; T2DM, type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Map showing pooled T2DM prevalence in African women aged 15–54 years in each country. T2DM, type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Forest plot of T2DM prevalence in African women aged 15–54 years, from studies published during the period 2000–2016. Studies must have used WHO 1999 or equivalent guidelines for the diagnosis of T2DM. T2DM, type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Forest plot showing IFG prevalence in African women aged 15–54 years, from studies published during the period 2000–2016. IFG, impaired fasting glucose.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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