Trends in diabetes prevalence, awareness, treatment, control in Yangon, Myanmar between 2004-2014

Abstract

Abstract Background In 2004, a survey in Yangon Region was conducted as the first STEP survey in Myanmar, which was repeated in 2014, assessing diabetes prevalence. Whether there have been any changes over time in the awareness, treatment and control status of diabetes is not known. The study aimed to assess changes in the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of diabetes from 2004 to 2014, among adults in Yangon region. Methods The study was conducted in urban and rural areas of Yangon region, Myanmar, using two cross-sectional household based studies, in accordance with World Health Organization STEPS methodology. Men and women aged 25-74 years old participated in the studies (n = 4448 in 2004) and (n = 1372 in 2014). Logistic and linear regression were performed and outcome variables were diabetes and fasting plasma glucose. Results The overall age-standardized prevalence of diabetes were 8.3% (95% CI 6.5-10.6) in 2004 and 10.2% (7.6-13.6) in 2014 (p = 0.296). The diabetes prevalence increased from 2004 to 2014 only among participants aged ≥60 years, from 14.6% (11.7-18.1) to 31.9% (21.1-45.0) (p = 0.009). Awareness of having diabetes increased between 2004 and 2014 (44.3% (39.2, 49.6) to 69.4% (62.9-75.2)) (p < 0.001). Among participants who were aware of having diabetes, the proportion under treatment had increased between 2004 and 2014 from 55.1% (46.8-63.1) to 68.6% (61.5-74.8) (p = 0.015). There were no increase between 2004 and 2014 in the proportion of participants with controlled diabetes. After adjustments for age, sex and education, mean fasting plasma glucose levels in 2014 was 0.56 mmol/l (0.26-0.84) higher than in 2004. Conclusions The studies to monitor the development of diabetes prevalence in Myanmar are needed. Preventive measures to halt increases prevalence, to increase the detection rate of undiagnosed DM also treatment rate and to help people with diabetes to control their situation are needed. Key messages Mean plasma glucose levels were higher in 2014 than in 2004, but an increase in DM prevalence during this period was seen only among the oldest participants. The proportion of women being aware of having DM, as well as the proportion under treatment for most groups, had increased, however not the proportion under control.