Detection of Undiagnosed Diabetes among Saudi Female at Four Campaigns in Taif City, Saudi Arabia

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic endocrine disorders all over the world. The Kingdome of Saudi Arabia found to be among the ten countries with the highest prevalence of diabetes. Unfortunately, the last reported study performed in Saudi Arabia on the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetic among Saudis aged 15 and older showed 57.8% of those were undiagnosed previously, which adds to the disease medical complications and economic cost. Thus, the aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of previously undiagnosed diabetic among Saudi female age over 18 years at Taif city. This will help in early detection of the disorder, make screening program more cost effective and reduce the chance of developing of serious health complications, such as heart disease, kidney disease, and many others. Four study campaigns were arranged in public locations and blood glucose level was recorded from 200 female participants. This study showed that 8% female were provisionally undiagnosed with diabetes pending confirmation of the result by formal venous plasma glucose determination; these subjects were referred to their primary health care provider for confirmation of the diagnosis and further management. Moreover, 10% had indeterminate results and were advised to check their fasting blood glucose. The majority of participants who were undiagnosed with diabetes previously were non-smoker and un-active physically. However, 56% had family history of diabetes. The findings of the study calls for increased awareness of diabetes and undiagnosed diabetes to encourage for early detection of pre-diabetes, which might minimize the related complications.