Type 2 Diabetes in Oman: Can we learn from the Lancet editorial.

Abstract

more than 75% of the disease burden in Oman is attributable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) with the distribution of chronic diseases and related risk factors among the general population being similar to that of industrialized nations; 12% of the population have diabetes, 30% are overweight, 20% are obese, 41% have high cholesterol, and 21% have the metabolic syndrome. The findings related to diabetes from the above recent review article, 2 does not paint a good picture regarding diabetes control, since Omanis have high rates of diabetes-related complications; more than 14% were found to have diabetic retinopathy, 27% had microalbuminuria, and more than 50% of amputations are attributed to diabetes mellitus. Another review also noted that as Oman continues through the epidemiological transition and socioeconomic development, the burden of NCDs, particularly cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, can only be expected to increase. 3 Higher prevalence rates of diabetes have been identified in more urbanized areas of the country (18%) relative to more rural areas (11%). 4 An earlier study found that only one-third of people with diabetes knew that they had the condition. 5 There are concerns about the financial implications of diabetes in the Arab countries. A recent conference on health economics proposed to issue the ‘Riyadh Declaration’ as a guiding framework to address the challenges of diabetes particularly from an economic standpoint. 6 Some of the objectives of the conference were in fact in tune with what the Lancet editorial is now proposing. These include shedding light on all aspects of economics of diabetes including the medical and social issues at the international, regional and gulf level; illuminate the immense challenges imposed by diabetes on the heath systems and healthcare costs (whether direct or indirect); propose and present responses to confront these challenges, with presentation of effectiveness models; involve key stakeholders in the management of Diabetes and impart significance to their role in combating diabetes; increase the knowledge of governmental officials and others concerned with and interested in the economic aspects of diabetes; and present outstanding international