Addressing the Malta National Strategy for Diabetes 2016-2020 research priority areas: A scoping review

Highlights

• The prevalence of diabetes in Malta, estimated at around 10% has been stable since the 1980s.
• The incidence of type 1 diabetes in Malta showed an upward trend until 2010; more recent data is not available.
• No genetic studies are available for type 1 diabetes in Malta.
• Five yearly studies on the prevalence of diabetes in Malta is recommended.
• Overweight and obesity is the most significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Maltese persons should be encouraged to maintain a BMI between 15 and 20kg/m².