Diabetes mellitus in Egypt.

A series of surveys of diabetes mellitus (DM) have been performed in Egypt recently, using a common protocol and WHO criteria for diagnosis and classification. Average prevalence for the country as a whole for people above the age of 10 was 4.3%, with distinct geographical differences: 5.7% in urban areas, 4.1% in rural agricultural areas, and 1.5% in rural desert areas. In some secluded villages, DM was almost completely absent. Surveys among younger ages indicate prevalence of 0.01%, 0.06% and 0.14% among children at preparatory, primary and secondary school respectively. A high risk of DM is associated with family history of the disease, obesity, premature atherosclerosis and hypertension. The cost of ambulatory outpatient care for DM in Egypt is one of the lowest for Mediterranean countries. However, the cost of treatment of the various complications of diabetes is higher. The total direct cost of diabetes in Egypt in 1990 has been estimated at US$ 74.3 million, with indirect costs due to absenteeism from work adding a further US$ 11.8 million.     

Diabetes mellitus in Deutschland

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders in Germany. Secondary diseases and complications have serious effects on the lives of diabetics. They also represent an important challenge for economic and health policy processes. According to the 2003 Telephone Health Survey, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among the population aged 18 years and older is 6.1% for women and 5.4% for men. The percentage of diabetics among older population groups is considerably higher (65+: 16%). The need for effective health care for diabetes patients is reflected in frequent medical consultations. At the same time, there are deficiencies in the treatment of diabetes, for example in HbA1c measurement and the examination of diabetics' ocular fundus and feet. Although special training courses for diabetics are well publicized, only one in two diabetics makes use of them. Future surveys will show whether disease management programmes can help bridge the existing health care gaps.