title: Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Papua New Guinea--an historical perspective.
abstract: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is an increasing problem in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Five dominant themes emerge from the literature on diabetes in PNG: 1) The concept of the 'thrifty genotype' predisposing Papua New Guineans, like many other traditional populations, to type 2 diabetes, 2) Some coastal ethnic groups (particularly with Wanigelans and Tolais) appear to be more predisposed than others, 3) Prevalence of type 2 diabetes markedly rises with urbanization and adoption of a more western lifestyle, 4) Morbidity and mortality associated with the disease is high, and 5) Type 2 diabetes is overwhelmingly the most common type, with other types being rare. The literature is reviewed within the framework of these themes.
authors.affiliation: HOPE worldwide, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Ogle
mesh_terms: D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics; D005838:Genotype; D008019:Life Style; D010219:Papua New Guinea / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D014507:Urbanization