Association between duration of residence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes among male South Asian expatriate workers in the United Arab Emirates: A cross-sectional study

Expatriates account for about 80% of the total population in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aimed to evaluate the hypothesis that prevalence of type 2 diabetes in male South Asian expatriates increases with increased length of residence in the UAE. Design, Settings, and participants This cross-sectional study recruited a representative sample (n=1375) of male South Asian expatriates aged ≥18 years in Al Ain, UAE. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle data were obtained using a pilot-tested adapted version of the World Health Organization STEPS instrument. Main outcome measures Duration of residence was used as a marker for acculturation. Type 2 diabetes was defined as a self-reported physician-diagnosis of diabetes or a glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) blood level ≥ 6.5%. Results Mean (± SD) age of participants was 34.0 ± 9.9 years. Overall, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes was 8.3% (95%CI 6.8%-9.8%). Diabetes prevalence was positively associated with longer duration of residence in the UAE, 2.7%, <5 years; 8.2%, 5-10 years; and 18.8%, >10 years. After adjusting for age, nationality, and income and age, expatriates were more likely to develop diabetes if residing in the UAE for 5-10 years [odds ratio (OR)=2.18; 95% CI, 1.02-4.67] or >10 years (OR=3.23; 95% CI, 1.52-6.85) compared to those residing for <5 years. Conclusions After controlling for potential confounding factors, longer duration of residence was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes in male South Asian expatriate workers in the UAE.