Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Tanzania. A Narrative Review of Epidemiology and Disease Trend

Omary Chillo; Irene Mzokolo; Elizabeth Peter; Eva Malindisa; Hassan Thabit; Alexander Tungu; Marina Njelekela; Emmanuel Balandya

doi:10.2174/0115733998267513231208100124

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Tanzania. A Narrative Review of Epidemiology and Disease Trend

Curr Diabetes Rev. 2024 Jan 3. doi: 10.2174/0115733998267513231208100124. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Omary Chillo¹, Irene Mzokolo¹, Elizabeth Peter^{1

2}, Eva Malindisa³, Hassan Thabit⁴, Alexander Tungu¹, Marina Njelekela¹, Emmanuel Balandya¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
² Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.
³ Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania.
⁴ Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, State University of Zanzibar, Zanzibar, Tanzania.

PMID: 38173215
DOI: 10.2174/0115733998267513231208100124

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is on a rapid rise in Tanzania, driven by lifestyle modifications, nutritional changes, and increased obesity rates. This article reviews the epidemiology, and disease trends of type 2 diabetes in Tanzania and explores the economic implications and challenges in care, including policy, education, and healthcare systems.

Methodology: The study employs a narrative literature review from research articles, local healthcare reports, surveys, and public health records. It evaluates the economic impacts, healthcare capabilities, and patient behaviors in managing type 2 diabetes in Tanzania.

Results: The economic burden of diabetes in Tanzania is increasing due to direct healthcare costs, lost productivity, and reduced quality of life, placing significant pressure on the already resourcelimited healthcare system. Treatment dropout rates are alarmingly high, and healthcare providers' knowledge of diabetes is insufficient. Insulin and metformin availability are critically low. Cultural norms and dietary habits pose substantial barriers to effective disease management.

Conclusion: The growing prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Tanzania presents a significant public health crisis, necessitating comprehensive strategies for prevention, early detection, and effective disease management. Priorities should include enhancing healthcare infrastructure, increasing public investment, improving healthcare education, and tackling socio-cultural barriers to disease management.

Keywords: Epidemiology; Metabolic Disorder; Obesity; Risk Factors; Type 2 Diabetes.