Despite the worldwide epidemiology of Diabetes Mellitus and its global burden, scarce data is available from Bahrain. In 2013, according to IDF documented values, Bahrain ranked 4th most prevalent of the Arabic speaking countries with a prevalence of 21.8% (12th most prevalent worldwide). In 2014, again with reference to IDF documented values, Bahrain ranked 3rd most prevalent of the Arabic speaking countries with a with a diabetes prevalence of 21.9% (11th most prevalent worldwide)1. This study is a descriptive analysis of data collected from 1613 patients attending an outpatient clinic at Bahrain Defence Force Royal Medical Service Hospital. Data was organized and analyzed using SPSS statistical package. The analysis was based on the American Diabetes Association’s guidelines. The Mean (±SD) Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) for all candidates was 7.41mmol/L (±3.437) with a median of 6.23mmol/L and a range of 27mmol/L (3mmol/L to 29mmol/L). The prevalence of abnormal fasting glucose in the sample is 38.3%. FBS readings showed a significant increase in trend between age categories, with the exception of patients 80 years old and above. However, FBS reading was insignificant among gender categories. This data gives specific insight towards program and management development for Bahrain. These include the use of telemedicine initiatives to increase awareness and education to promote self-monitoring by random blood glucose checks within households. Additional studies regarding the elder population of 60 years or more, including living conditions and dietary details, may provide useful information to be applied towards meal planning initiatives. Furthermore, additional studies assessing prevalence of obesity and its association with diabetes in the Middle East are worth exploration for initiative development and focus.

The epidemiologic profile of diabetes mellitus in Bahrain: a cross-sectional study