Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus Over the Years in Iraqi Governorates

Objective: To determine the prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) cases in Iraqi Governorates over the years and highlight the underlying factors. Study Design: This descriptive cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the College of Nursing, University of Al-Kufa, Kufa, Iraq from 1st April 2018 to 30th March 2022. Methods: All patients who visit Iraqi health directorates in the Ministry of Health with a confirmed diagnosis of diabetes Mellitus were included in the study. Eighteen Health Directorates in Iraq affiliated with the Iraqi Ministry of Health were included in the Study, Kurdistan region (North Iraq) was excluded from the study. Each Health Directorate includes a different number of hospitals. Results: A significant increase in diabetes mellitus patients over the years among males and females, the overall number (males & females) 547149 in 2018 and rose to 710359 in 2022. The males recorded 280574 in 2018 and the number increased to 352382 in 2022 while the females recorded 266575 in 2018 and dramatically increased to 357977 in 2022. Conclusion: All the Iraqi governorates reveal a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus and the number proceeded to increase over the years, the numerals grew in both sexes. It is expected that DM become a major health problem in Iraq.