Addressing the Malta National Strategy for diabetes 2016-2020 research priority areas : a scoping review

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is one of the major reasons for morbidity in Malta. A National Diabetes Strategy launched in 2016 identified research priority areas. The aim of this scoping review was to identify and describe the research on these areas. CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsychInfo, Cochrane Database of controlled studies, Cochrane Database for systematic reviews were searched using the keywords ‘diabetes’ AND ‘Malta’. Papers had to be relevant to the priority areas and include Maltese persons. A total of 31 papers were included. The prevalence of diabetes has been stable at 10% since the 1980s. The incidence of type 1 diabetes showed an upward trend until 2010. Genetic mutations were identified for MODY and type 2 diabetes. Excess body weight is the most important environmental risk factor, with a threshold BMI between 15 and 20 kg/m 2 to decrease diabetes risk in Maltese persons. Perceived behavioral control had the greatest impact on self-management behavior. One ehealth research project, to help primary care physicians identify those at high risk of type 2 diabetes was identified. Further research is required on all priority research areas to ensure the latest locally relevant evidence on changing trends in diabetes incidence, prevalence, genetics, risk factors, and self-management.