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Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes in South Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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  • Carmen Pheiffer

    (Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
    Division of Medical Physiology, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
    Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa)

  • Victoria Pillay-van Wyk

    (Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa)

  • Eunice Turawa

    (Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa)

  • Naomi Levitt

    (Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa)

  • Andre P. Kengne

    (Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa)

  • Debbie Bradshaw

    (Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
    School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa)

Abstract

Synthesis of existing prevalence data using rigorous systematic review methods is considered an effective strategy to generate representative and robust prevalence figures to inform health planning and policy. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify, collate, and synthesise all studies reporting the prevalence of total and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2DM), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in South Africa. Four databases, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and African Index Medicus were searched for articles published between January 1997 and June 2020. A total of 1886 articles were identified, of which 11 were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence in individuals 25 years and older was 15.25% (11.07–19.95%) for T2DM, 9.59% (5.82–14.17%) for IGT, 3.55% (0.38–9.61%) for IFG, and 8.29% (4.97–12.34%) for newly diagnosed T2DM. Although our pooled estimate may be imprecise due to significant heterogeneity across studies with regard to population group, age, gender, setting, diagnostic test, and study design, we provide evidence that the burden of glucose intolerance in South Africa is high. These factors contribute to the paucity of representative T2DM prevalence data. There is a need for well-designed epidemiological studies that use best-practice and standardised methods to assess prevalence.

Suggested Citation

  • Carmen Pheiffer & Victoria Pillay-van Wyk & Eunice Turawa & Naomi Levitt & Andre P. Kengne & Debbie Bradshaw, 2021. "Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes in South Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-15, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:11:p:5868-:d:565426
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David Moher & Alessandro Liberati & Jennifer Tetzlaff & Douglas G Altman & The PRISMA Group, 2009. "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(7), pages 1-6, July.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Mbuso Sibazo & Takshita Sookan-Kassie, 2024. "Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Regarding Physical Exercise in Type 2 Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Staff at a Tertiary Institution," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(12), pages 1-11, December.
    3. Jillian Hill & Mieke Faber & Nasheeta Peer & Cindy George & Brian Oldenburg & Andre P. Kengne, 2023. "Adapting and Developing A Diabetes Prevention Intervention Programme for South Africa: Curriculum and Tools," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-19, March.
    4. Delwyn Catley & Thandi Puoane & Lungiswa Tsolekile & Ken Resnicow & Kandace K Fleming & Emily A Hurley & Joshua M Smyth & Frank T Materia & Estelle V Lambert & Mara Z Vitolins & Naomi S Levitt & Kathy, 2022. "Evaluation of an adapted version of the Diabetes Prevention Program for low- and middle-income countries: A cluster randomized trial to evaluate “Lifestyle Africa” in South Africa," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(4), pages 1-19, April.
    5. Ben Sebothoma & Katijah Khoza-Shangase & Gift Khumalo & Boitumelo Mokwena, 2025. "Exploring Middle Ear Pathologies in Adults with Diabetes Mellitus: A Scoping Review of Available Evidence and Research Gaps," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(4), pages 1-13, March.
    6. Shoeshoe Mokhele & Tholang Mokhele, 2024. "Prevalence and Determinants of Household Self-Reported Diabetes Mellitus in Gauteng, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(11), pages 1-13, November.

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