High Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes in Iraqi and Swedish Residents
Author Information
Author(s): Bennet Louise, Johansson Sven-Erik, Agardh Carl-David, Groop Leif, Sundquist Jan, Råstam Lennart, Sundquist Kristina
Primary Institution: Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
Hypothesis
What are the prevalence rates of impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, and type 2 diabetes in residents from Iraq compared to those from Sweden in a deprived neighborhood?
Conclusion
The study found a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes among both Iraqi and Swedish residents in a socially vulnerable area, with no significant differences based on country of origin.
Supporting Evidence
- 21.9% of Iraqi participants and 19.0% of Swedish participants had type 2 diabetes.
- 24.0% of Iraqi participants and 25.3% of Swedish participants had impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance.
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle were prevalent in both groups, with a higher family history of diabetes in Iraqi participants.
Takeaway
This study shows that many people living in a poor neighborhood in Sweden have diabetes, whether they are from Iraq or Sweden.
Methodology
Participants aged 45 to 65 from Iraqi and Swedish origins were randomly selected, underwent physical exams, oral glucose tolerance tests, and filled out questionnaires.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to lower participation rates among Swedish participants.
Limitations
The study had a high non-response rate and a relatively small sample size, which may have influenced the findings.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 45 to 65 years, with 96 of Iraqi origin and 79 of Swedish origin.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 2.10-14.02
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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