Annals of Global Health (Apr 2016)

Diabetes in Panama: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Clinical Management

  • Anselmo J Mc Donald Posso,
  • Ryan A Bradshaw Meza,
  • Enrique A Mendoza Morales,
  • Ycly Jaen,
  • Alberto Cumbrera Ortega,
  • Enrique Jorge Mendoza Posada

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 81, no. 6
pp. 754 – 764

Abstract

Read online

ObjectivesTo draw evidence-based conclusions about the epidemiology, drivers, and management of diabetes in Panama based on a literature review and original analyses of large databases.MethodsA search about diabetes in Panama was conducted through PubMed. We used the final reports of 2 studies: the first Survey of Health and Life Quality, 2007, and the first Survey of Risk Factors Associated to Cardiovasular Diseases, 2010-2011, conducted in Panama and analyzed the databases. We reviewed the approach adopted by the Panamanian Social Security institution and the diabetes national guidelines published by the Panamanian Ministry of Health.FindingsThe prevalence of diabetes, as estimated in 1 database (ENSCAVI), was 5.4% (4.3% men; 6.0% women; OR = 1.41 [confidence interval 1.26-1.59]; 'P' ConclusionsDiabetes is a serious national public health threat in Panama. To address this problem in a public health modality, information from large databases was analyzed and presented to the Panamanian Ministry of Health to prompt constructive policy change to enhance diabetes prevention.

Keywords