Mauritius has become the first country in the world to prove it is reversing its type 2 diabetes epidemic, according to new research published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
The findings, set to be presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Milan, Italy, show a sustained drop in diabetes prevalence after decades of increases. Professor Jaakko Tuomilehto from the Department of Public Health at the University of Helsinki stated that the achievement offers hope to countries worldwide facing the human and economic costs of the disease.
How Mauritius Monitored Diabetes Across Four Decades
Located in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar with a population of 1.2 million, Mauritius experienced a profound socioeconomic transition that shifted its disease burden toward chronic non-communicable diseases. Similar to other island nations, including those in the Pacific Ocean, Mauritius saw obesity and type 2 diabetes surge since the 1980s.
Unlike other nations, Mauritius tracked this shift through seven cross-sectional surveys conducted since 1987. Professor Paul Zimmet from Monash University in Melbourne initiated the surveys, which were carried out by staff from the Ministry of Health and Wellness and supported by international teams including Professor Tuomilehto, Professor Sir George Alberti from the UK, and Professor Stefan Söderberg from Umeå, Sweden. Every survey assessed diabetes and intermediate hyperglycemia using the 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, making Mauritius the only country to systematically use this diagnostic standard over time.
Prevalence Rates and Testing Standards in Mauritius
Survey data collected across the decades reveal specific shifts in population health. Overall type 2 diabetes prevalence stood at 14.7% in 1987, climbing to 17.3% in 1992, 20.2% in 1998, 18.6% in 2004, and peaking at 23.3% in 2009. Prevalence shifted slightly to 23.1% in 2015 before dropping to 19.9% in 2021.
Between 1987 and 2009, prevalence rose by 61% in men and 56% in women. Between 2009 and 2021, prevalence decreased by 11% in men and 16% in women. Researchers note that many countries rely on fasting plasma glucose or glycated hemoglobin tests, which can miss asymptomatic cases that are detectable by the 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. The procedure requires fasting for 8 to 10 hours, taking a baseline blood sample, consuming a 75-gram glucose drink, and remaining sedentary for two hours before a final blood draw.
Multisectoral Strategies Behind the Decline
The study authors attribute the turnaround in Mauritius to concerted public health interventions and policy changes. These multisectoral approaches include the creation of a national action plan, risk factor screening via mobile clinics, and community participation centered on nutrition, physical activity, and tobacco control. Additional measures involve a national integrated non-communicable disease action plan and a service framework defining standards of care.
Did you know?
Mauritius is the only nation globally to monitor long-term type 2 diabetes and intermediate hyperglycemia trends systematically through the 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Mauritius Diabetes Study
What exact dates did the European Association for the Study of Diabetes meeting take place?
The Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Milan, Italy, ran from September 28 to October 2.
How many total population surveys has Mauritius conducted since 1987?
Mauritius has conducted seven cross-sectional surveys to monitor diabetes prevalence since 1987.
What were the gender-specific drop percentages between 2009 and 2021?
Between 2009 and 2021, diabetes prevalence decreased by 11% in men and 16% in women.
How much glucose is typically administered during the oral glucose tolerance test?
Adults consume a liquid containing a specific amount of glucose, typically 75 grams, following an 8 to 10-hour fasting period.
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