Diabetes mellitus in Benghazi

The records of 10 772 diabetic patients registered in Benghazi diabetic clinic during the period 1969-1985 were analysed. Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM or type II) accounted for 97.8% of patients. Of the whole clinic population 77.2% were below 40 years of age. The disease started below the age of 20 years in 1.9%. Male to female sex ratio was 1:1.2. Family history of diabetes was positive in 23.77%. Sixty-nine per cent of patients were obese. Patients presented with symptoms suggestive of diabetes mellitus in 79.9% of cases.