An-Najah Staff

The profile of non- insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)in Nablus district was investigated. NIDDM patients n=323 were selected from three diabetic clinics. Although the study included 49 non- diabetic people. but it’s not considered as control case study. Both NIDDM and non- diabetic populations were obese as reflected by body mass index > 30 kg/m². Total cholesterol and triglycridesin NlDDM were higher than normal range, while HDL — cholesterol was significantly lower than normal. Women with NlDDlvl showed a higher BMI and HDL- cholesterol than diabetic men. Systolic blood pressure increased with increasing age. NIDDM people living in the refugee camp showed higher BMI and systolic blood pressure and lower levels of total cholesterol and LDL- cholesterol than NlDDM people living in the city or village. Non-diabetic people living in the refugee camp showed higher LDL— cholesterol and lower LDL—cholesterol levels than non-diabetic individuals living in the city. 81 % of NIDDM population have parental history of diabetes. This ratio decreased with increased aging to reach 62% at 60 years old group.