Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Obesity and diabetes are strongly associated as causes of morbi-mortality in developing countries. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of overweight, obesity and undiagnosed diabetes in Tirana district, where 1/4 of the total population lives.

Method: Anthropometric and capillary glucose measures for healthy people unknown of diabetes. Diabetes familiar anamnesis, HTA treatment and smoking were included in the questionnaire.

Results: 3316 persons included in the study. M/F 1755/1561 (52.9%), mean age 53.4±12.02 years, mean BMI 28.3±1.9 kg/m². Prevalence of Obesity was 23.2% equally present M/F 23.4/23.1%, overweight 46.5%, more present in men 49.4/41.2% (P<0.05). Obesity was more frequent in group 40–60 years old – 27.25%, but 15.9% for the group 30–40 years old. Central obesity was present in 67.7% of cases, more frequent in women 79.9 vs 50.1% (P<0.01). Prevalence of undiagnosed Diabetes was 3.5%, IFG 14.5%, IGT 10.6%. Diabetes was more frequent in the groups 20–30 years (5.41%) and 50–60 years 4.32%. The patient diagnosed with Diabetes had the tendency to be more overweight 53.3 vs 44.2%, to have more familiar anamnesis for diabetes (P<0.01) and suffer from HTA (P<0.05), but not obese 20 vs 21.5%. IFG and IGT were more frequent in the group 50–60 years old.

Conclusions: Prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and prediabetes is very high in Albania, especially in younger age group. It is important to raise the awareness and counseling of younger population about healthy living habits and weight control, as well as the frequency of controlling blood glucose level.