Abstract
Aims
This study sought to compare type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk indicators in Iraqi immigrants
with those in ethnic Swedes living in southern Sweden.
Methods
Population-based, cross-sectional cohort study of men and women, aged 30–75 years,
born in Iraq or Sweden conducted in 2010–2012 in Malmö, Sweden. A 75 g oral glucose tolerance test was performed and sociodemographic and lifestyle data
were collected. T2D risk was assessed by the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC).
Results
In Iraqi versus Swedish participants, T2D was twice as prevalent (11.6 vs. 5.8%, p < 0.001). A large proportion of the excess T2D risk was attributable to larger waist
circumference and first-degree family history of diabetes. However, Iraqi ethnicity
was a risk factor for T2D independently of other FINDRISC factors (odds ratio (OR)
2.5, 95% CI 1.6–3.9).
The FINDRISC algorithm predicted that more Iraqis than Swedes (16.2 vs. 12.3%, p < 0.001) will develop T2D within the next decade. The total annual costs for excess
T2D risk in Iraqis are estimated to exceed 2.3 million euros in 2005, not accounting
for worse quality of life.
Conclusions
Our study suggests that Middle Eastern ethnicity should be considered an independent
risk indicator for diabetes. Accordingly, the implementation of culturally tailored
prevention programs may be warranted.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 28, 2014
Accepted:
January 3,
2014
Received in revised form:
December 20,
2013
Received:
November 9,
2013
Identification
Copyright
© 2014 Primary Care Diabetes Europe. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
