Identification and Characterization of Diabetes in Low-resource Populations

The true burden of diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is unknown as most of the countries do not have good quality data. As such, the overall estimate of diabetes prevalence is largely based on modelled estimates, which may not be accurate. Additionally, there is lack of clear guidance on which method and thresholds to use in the diagnosis of diabetes in African populations unlike in high income countries (HIC) where such guidance is clear. The limited data available shows that diabetes in Africa manifests differently for example occurring at younger age and in relatively lean individuals. Moreover, where the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) has been used to screen for diabetes, a significant proportion of individuals have isolated postprandial hyperglycaemia (IPH): The reasons for this differential manifestation are unclear and the diabetes progression of these unique phenotypes (for example in terms of risk of complications is unknown or response to treatment is unknown). Therefore, the overall aim of this research is to undertake a large study to determine the true prevalence of diabetes and identify/characterize the different phenotypes; 2) establish a cohort patients with diabetes to understand the natural course of these different phenotypes, including how they respond to treatment (i.e. do the IPH or thin diabetics progress at the same rate as obese, and are the currently used intervention/therapeutic approaches equally effective in the different phenotypes?). The collected data is likely to be directly relevant to an improved understanding of the cause and progression of diabetes, diagnostic test performance, and diabetes care in SSA, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and well-being, as well as enhanced productivity.