The Impact of Diabetes in the Middle East Countries

Abstract

Diabetes, once a condition predominant in developed countries, is now global concern. Countries of the Middle East have not been spared. Globally, diabetes is ranked the eighth leading cause of morbidity and mortality. In addition to the healthcare-related direct costs, the indirect costs are critical as well. Indirect costs comprise of loss in work productivity that is measured through lost workdays, impaired functioning due to chronic illness, labour force dropout, or premature death. Diabetes also poses a burden to affected individuals, their families, and entire region. This study sought to investigate the impact of diabetes in the Middle East region. A systematic review was embraced. The search was undertaken using PubMed, Wiley Online Library, Social Care Online, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, EMBASE, and Ovid databases. A total of 17 studies were found relevant and included. The literature generated was specific to the impact of diabetes in Middle East countries among adults (60 years and above). After the selection of these articles, the author systematically reviewed the literature and established three themes – cost implications, risk factors, and prevention strategies. In data analysis, thematic analysis was embraced. The results revealed that diabetes is a chronic and costly condition to manage. It was evident that while the major costs incurred are hospital and outpatient care, the costs for analogue insulins 1 that are increasingly prescribed to treat diabetes is not only worrisome to individuals but the region alt large. Across the reviewed articles, it was evident that to minimise the impact of diabetes in the Middle East, there is apparently no single solution. Embracing a coordinated both national and region wide interventions will be critical. The interventions should seek to improve the quality of life and ensure access to cost effective treatment options.