Type 2 diabetes mellitus, impaired glucose tolerance and associated factors in a rural Palestinian village.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and to identify risk factors associated with diabetes in a rural Palestinian village.


METHODS
A cross-sectional, population-based study investigating 500 adults aged 30-65 years (response rate 85%) determined the diabetes status using the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). A standard questionnaire, a simple clinical examination and laboratory tests assessed blood lipids, blood pressure, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI) and other risk factors for diabetes


RESULTS
The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes was 9.8% (95% confidence interval 7.3-12.3) and IGT 8.6% (6.1-11.1), while the prevalence standardized to the European population was 11.6% (8.8-14.4) for Type 2 diabetes and 10.3% (7.6-13.0) for IGT. Age, positive family history, high triglycerides level, and high WHR were significantly associated with Type 2 diabetes.


CONCLUSIONS
Of the factors associated with diabetes, WHR and triglycerides levels are potentially modifiable, and should be addressed by preventive health activities. The high prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus and its potential increase as a result of the ageing of the Palestinian population constitutes a major public health problem.
Husseini
A
A
Institute of Community and Public Health, Birzeit University, West Bank, Palestinian Authority. abed66@hotmail.com
Abdul-Rahim
H
H
Awartani
F
F
Giacaman
R
R
Jervell
J
J
Bjertness
E
E
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001824:Body Constitution; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D018149:Glucose Intolerance / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008877:Middle East / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D001786:Blood Glucose; D008055:Lipids