FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DIABETES PREVALENCE AND UTILISATION

It is estimated that at least 171 million people have diabetes worldwide and this figure is projected to more than double by 2030. Mauritius has not been spared from diabetes. Indeed, it has one of the highest diabetes prevalence in the world. It is creating tremendous pressure not only on households but on the health care system. This study was designed in order to widen the body of research and emphasize on the diabetes issue in Mauritius. It was aimed at both identifying the factors associated with diabetes prevalence and factors that influence the utilisation of diabetes care services. The study also observed whether the factors that affect the diabetes prevalence also affect its utilisation. If governmental priority is given to these factors, significant decrease in the overall diabetes prevalence can be achieved in a short period of time. In addition, these results will be useful to identify the groups at risk of diabetes on which preventive measures and resources should be targeted.