TYPE II DIABETES MELLITUS IN JIMMA TOWN, SOUTHWEST ETHIOPIA

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder resulting from defects in insulin action, production, or both. Type II diabetes is the most common form accounting for 90-95% of all diabetes cases worldwide. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is nor documented in Ethiopia in general and in the study area in particular. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of type II diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glucose in Jimma Town, south west Ethiopia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Jimma Town from December 1-June 30/2006. Sample size was determined using formula for estimating single population proportion. Three "Kebele's were selected by cluster sampling method and study households were identified by systematic sampling technique from each "Kebele! Participants with fasting venous plasma glucose concentrations less than 100 mg/dl were classified as "normal, "Diabetes was diagnosed when fasting blood glucose level become 126mg/dl and above. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed for subjects whose fasting blood glucose level was between 100-126mg/dl. The data were entered into a computer and analyzed using SPSS for windows version 12.0.1. Statistical tests for significance were performed at the level of significance of 3 RESULTS: The blood glucose level of 28 out of 526 participants was in diabetic range making the prevalence of Type Il diabetes to be 5.3% and 81 (15.4%) had elevated blood glucose level (100-126 mg/dl). After oral glucose tolerance test was performed for those with elevated blood glucose level, 3 (0.57%) had diabetes, 37 (7%) impaired glucose tolerance test and 47 (7.8%) impaired fasting blood glucose. The combined prevalence of impaired fasting glucose and glucose tolerance test was 14.8%. There was a statistically significant association between diabetes mellitus and male sex, older age group and being overweight (p<0.05). The prevalence of diabetes mellitus, impaired glucose tolerance test and impaired fasting glucose were higher among older age groups, those with higher monthly income, overweight/obese, and in males. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the magnitude of Type II diabetes was comparable to reports from other developing countries however, large proportion of the study participants had pre-diabetic conditions. Type II diabetes was associated with being overweight, male sex, older age group and with higher household monthly income. Behavioral change communication on the need for healthy life styles including regular exercise, having diversified diet and the need for getting regular screening for diabetes is recommended to prevent and early detect Type II diabetes in the study community. Large-scale study involving the rural areas is recommended to determine the burden.