Diabetic surveys in Papua New Guinea - results and implications
Martin, F.I.; Wyatt, G.B.; Griew, A.R.; Mathews, J.D.; Campbell, D.G.
Papua and New Guinea Medical Journal 24(3): 188-194
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-1480 PMID: 6951341 Document Number: 175462
Glucose intolerance was found in 22% of the residents of Koki in Port Moresby, 5% of residents in the coastal village of Kalo and in 3% of 120 young civil servants. The respective prevalences of frank diabetes mellitus were 15.6%, 1% and 0%. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels were similar and low in all groups, despite both obesity and glucose intolerance in the urban-Koki residents who also had a significantly higher blood pressure. There is a need to identify those areas of Papua New Guinea where, in a similar fashion to other countries in the South Pacific, diabetes mellitus is increasing. Simple measures of dietary restriction and increased exercise may be effective in preventing diabetes from becoming a major health problem particularly in identified high prevalence areas.