Prevalence of NIDDM and impaired glucose tolerance in aborigines and Malays in Malaysia and their relationship to sociodemographic, health, and nutritional factors

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and IGT in different ethnic groups living in the same physical environment and to find their relationship to nutritional status and dietary intake.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The study was conducted among Malays and Orang Asli in six rural and urban locations in Malaysia. OGTTs were performed on 706 adult subjects > or = 18 yr of age. WHO criteria were used for diagnosing diabetes mellitus and IGT.

RESULTS: The overall prevalence of diabetes mellitus and IGT among Orang Asli was 0.3 and 4.4% compared with 4.7 and 11.3%, respectively, among Malays. This increased prevalence of glucose intolerance among Malays was associated with higher levels of social development. Among rural Malays, the crude prevalence of diabetes in a traditional village was 2.8% and in the land scheme was 6.7%, whereas urban Malays had a prevalence of 8.2%. In contrast, the prevalence of IGT (10.5-14.8%) was higher among rural Malays, compared with 9.6% among urban Malays. Ethnic group, > or = 40 yr of age, an income > M$250, fewer daily activity, and obesity were associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes mellitus and IGT, which were more common among Malays than Orang Asli, were associated with more affluent life-styles and modernization.