Saudi Arabia: Diabetes, hypertension on the rise

Diabetes, hypertension, and coronary artery disease (CAD) are rising at alarming rates, according to new research. Studying more than 9000 individuals, researchers found the prevalence of diabetes has increased 44% compared to 2004 levels. The age-adjusted obesity prevalence was 40%, hypertension was almost 33%, and CAD was almost 7%. The emergence of new risk factors for insulin resistance - such as vitamin D deficiency, smoking cessation, and deficient sleep - has helped the increase in diabetes prevalence.
"Diabetes mellitus type 2 and other chronic non-communicable diseases in the central region, Saudi Arabia (Riyadh Cohort 2): a decade of an epidemic"
BMC Medicine 2011, 9:76 (open access)
http://bit.ly/lF0e0K

Date Posted: 21 June 2011