Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and Impaired Glucose Tolerance in Luanda - Angola

Aim: To determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in Luanda, an urban community of Angola-Africa. Methods: A random sample of 709 subjects aged 30 to 69 years (52% women) was selected from Ingombota municipality. This cross-sectional home survey was conducted from March 2009 to April 2011, using a sampling design of stage conglomerates. A two-stage survey was carried out. First, clinical and anthropometric data were obtained and fasting capillary glucose level was determined. The cut-off point was 5.55 mmol/l. Subjects who screened positive (fasting capillary glucose >= 5.55 mmol/l and < 11.1 mmol/l) and each sixth consecutive subject who screened negative (fasting capillary glucose < 5.55 mmol/l) were submitted to the second phase of survey, consisting of the 75g oral glucose tolerance test (75 g OGTT). Data was analyzed using SAS statistical software. Results: The prevalence rates of diabetes mellitus and IGT were 7.1% and 12.9%, respectively. The age group with the highest frequency of diabetes was 60 to 69 years (33%) followed by the age group 40 to 49 (30%). The frequency of impaired glycemic homeostasis increased with aging both in men and women. Overweight and obesity were usual findings in the majority of subjects with diabetes (62%) and subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (61.9%). Conclusions: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was classified within an intermediary range (7.1%) and the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance is within an high range, suggesting a future increase in the frequency of diabetes in this population.