Epidemiology of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes in the adult population of the Republic of Moldova (preliminary data)

Abstract

Introduction. Type 2 DM accounts for over 95% of all diabetes cases worldwide and represents an important and independent cardio-metabolic risk factor. This is the first national study (Epidemiological study of widespread endocrine pathologies (diabetes, obesity) in the Republic of Moldova and its management strategy) that analyzes the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), prediabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia in the adult population of Moldova. Material and methods. This is an epidemiological cross-sectional study with cluster random sampling. A face-to-face interview was conducted with the participants using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. All biochemical tests were performed in a certified laboratory. Statistical analysis used Spearman’s correlation test, chi-square, and Wilcoxon tests. The Research Ethics Committee of Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy (Minutes 3 from December 28 2020) approved this study. Results. 728 individuals were enrolled, of which 2.5% had unknown DM. Advanced age, obesity, and dyslipidemia were influencing factors for diabetes. 21.4% of participants had prediabetes, with a higher prevalence in men than in women (28.3 % versus 18.9 %). Only 23.2% of men and 30.4% of women had a BMI within the normal range. Abdominal circumference (AC) values greater than 102 cm and 88 cm in men and women, respectively, were determined in 39.4% of men and 53.8% of women. Conclusions. Our study showed an increased prevalence of carbohydrate metabolism disorders, including prediabetes, as well as a high prevalence of abdominal obesity. Persons with unknown diabetes mellitus have been identified.