A recent study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology reveals that Mauritius has achieved a sustained decline in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and intermediate hyperglycemia. The study, which used the oral glucose tolerance test, a method endorsed by the World Health Organization, found that the prevalence of diabetes decreased from 23.3% in 2009 to 19.9% in 2021. This decline is significant, with an 11% reduction in men and 16% in women between 2009 and 2021.
The study, presented at the annual congress of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Milan, analyzed data from seven cross-sectional surveys conducted since 1987 with the support of the Mauritian Ministry of Health. The results show that the overall prevalence of type 2 diabetes increased from 14.7% in 1987 to a peak of 23.3% in 2009. However, a decline was observed in 2015, with a prevalence of 23.1%, which further decreased to 19.9% in 2021.
The oral glucose tolerance test, used in the study, measures blood glucose levels before and after consuming a defined amount of glucose. This method can detect asymptomatic cases that may not be identified through simple fasting blood glucose or HbA1c tests. The repeated use of this method over several decades in Mauritius makes the comparison more robust. The study's findings are encouraging, but they do not imply that the epidemic is over.
The researchers suggest that several factors may have contributed to the decline in diabetes prevalence in Mauritius. These include national plans to combat non-communicable diseases, risk screening, mobile clinics, nutritional policies, physical activity promotion, tobacco control, and free access to public healthcare and essential medications. However, the study only establishes an association and does not attribute the decline to a single measure.
The study's lead authors emphasize that the results should not be interpreted as a definitive victory. With a prevalence of 19.9%, the situation remains a significant public health concern. Furthermore, the most recent data analyzed in the study date back to 2021. The key takeaway is that the progression of diabetes is not inevitable, but continued prioritization of screening, nutrition, physical activity, and medical follow-up is essential.
Mauritius has become the first country to demonstrate a sustained decline in type 2 diabetes and intermediate hyperglycemia using the oral glucose tolerance test. This achievement is significant, as it provides valuable insights into effective strategies for combating the diabetes epidemic. The study's findings have implications for other countries seeking to address this growing health concern.
The Mauritian government's efforts to combat diabetes and other non-communicable diseases have likely contributed to the decline in prevalence. The country's experience serves as a model for other nations, highlighting the importance of a multi-faceted approach that includes screening, education, and access to healthcare. Continued monitoring and evaluation of diabetes trends in Mauritius will be crucial in sustaining this progress.
Key points
- Mauritius is the first country to demonstrate a sustained decline in type 2 diabetes and intermediate hyperglycemia using the oral glucose tolerance test.
