A critical review of national diabetes prevention and control programs in 12 countries in Middle East

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus has been known as one of the most significant systemic diseases with severe consequences and challenges to human health.

Aim: The primary aim of the current paper was to review the diabetes prevention programs in the Middle East countries, and secondary compare their goals and success rate and conclude possible upcoming strategies.

Methods: All reports and documents regarding to diabetes prevention and control programs in the region were collected by searching Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Scopus and EMBASE for articles up to 2020. The health policy triangle framework was used to analyze diabetes policies and programs. In the Middle East, a shift from rural to urban life, socioeconomic development, sedentary lifestyles, and high fat and sugary foods consumption led to increasing in obesity and diabetes rate, which have become a real challenge.

Results: To decrease the burden of diabetes, preventive strategies with proper local socio-cultural context are needed. Evaluation of current policies and identifying stakeholders' views can help to improve the current strategies for the prevalence of diabetes and its complications.

Conclusions: It can provide local and global insight to evidence-informed decision-making for future policy reforms to enhance effectiveness of the program.

Keywords: Control; Diabetes; Middle east; National program; Prevention.