oa Body Mass Index and Pattern of Diabetes in Qatar – A Retrospective Study of 529 Patients with Obesity

Background

Qatar ranks among the top countries with highest prevalence of diabetes and obesity. Obesity is generally measured by a Body mass index (BMI). BMI has been found to be independent risk factor for development of diabetes. Also, diabetes when associated with obesity leads not only to its poor control but also causes increased long-term complications from diabetes.

Aim

To delineate the pattern of obesity among residents of Qatar and to classify them as per World Health Organization criteria. Secondary objectives included assessing the pattern of diabetes with increasing body mass index.

Method

All consecutive obese adult patients attending pre-surgical screening endoscopy clinic over an 18 months period were included. Patients under 14 years of age and those who had previous surgical treatment were excluded. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as per standard criteria [weight (Kg)/Height (meters) 2] and was then classified as per World Health Organization criteria. Overweight, Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 obesity was defined as BMI more than >25, >30, >35 and >40 respectively. Diabetes was defined as fasting plasma glucose ≥ 7 mmol/l. All patients underwent gastroduodenoscopy to assess the presence of helicobacter infection and evidence of mucosal inflammation prior to surgical treatment of obesity.

Results

A total of 529 patients with a mean age of 36.8 years were included 31.4% of obese patients were in 15–30 year age group. The mean weight, height and BMI were 123.6 Kg, 1.65 meters and 45.2 respectively. Overweight, Type I, II and III obesity was seen in 3 (0.6%), 30 (5.6%), 95(17.8%) and 401 (76%) patients respectively. Overall 34.5% had associated comorbid diseases. Type 2 Diabetes were seen in 11.1% of the patients. Diabetes was seen in 0%, 26.7%, 8.4% and 6.7% in overweight, Type I, Type II, Type III obesity respectively. Diabetes was significantly lower among very severely obese patients (Type III) as compared to those with overweight, moderately and severely obese patients (Overweight, Type I and II) (27/401, 6.7% versus 16/84,19% p = . 03).No correlation was found related to age, sex or helicobacter infection.

Conclusions

Among the residents of Qatar, 11% of obese patients were found to have diabetes. The highest prevalence of diabetes was seen in people with BMI of 25–30 (type 1 obese people). Diabetes prevalence did not increase with increasing obesity.