Diagnosed and undiagnosed Diabetes mellitus among urban adults: a population based cross-sectional study

AbstractBackgroundGlobally, diabetes mellitus (DM) accounts for 8.8% (424.9 million) morbidity and 4 million deaths. In 2017, more than 79% of people with diabetes live in low- and middle- income countries. To this end, locally available evidence can identify target groups for intervention. However, in resource-poor settings, population-based evidence on diabetes prevalence and on its risk factors is lacking. This study, therefore, assessed prevalence of Diabetes mellitus and associated factors among adults living in Dire Dawa town, Eastern Ethiopia.MethodsA total of 782 data points were analyzed from a random sample of the adult population aged 25-64 years who lived in Dire Dawa. World health organization STEPwise approach to non-communicable disease risk factors surveillance (WHO NCD STEPS) instrument was used to collect data. We estimated undiagnosed DM, uncontrolled DM among existing cases and the overall prevalence of DM. Hierarchical logistic regression models were run to identify correlates of diabetes mellitus, and STATA v 14.2 was used for data management and analysis. All statistical tests were declared significant at p-value<0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of DM among adults aged 25-64 was 8.95% (95% confidence interval (CI): 7.1, 11.2) and the magnitude of undiagnosed DM was 3.3% (95% CI: 2.3, 4.8). The magnitude of uncontrolled DM among those taking DM medications during the survey was 1.4% (95% CI: 0.8, 2.5). The prevalence of DM was 2.3 times more likely among the age group of 55-64 years (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 95% CI: 1.1, 5.0). Similarly, consuming two or less serving of vegetables/week increased the risk of DM, (AOR=2.1, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.9). Maintaining normal body mass index level was negatively correlated with the risk of DM, (AOR=0.6, 95% CI: 0.3, 0.8).ConclusionThe overall prevalence of diabetes mellitus was relatively high, and the magnitude of undiagnosed DM was a great concern. Therefore, creating community awareness, regular blood sugar checking, appropriate weight control and, increased consumption of vegetables would be helpful in preventing incident cases of DM.