The aim of this study was to identify nationals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes within the next 10 years in some areas across Tripoli Health Authority in Libya. In this questionnaire‐based survey, a total of 400 Libyan nationals of both genders were randomly selected from seven areas across the central area of Tripoli Health Authority (Soug El‐Juma, Zawet Dahmani, Al‐Furnaj, Ain Zara, Al‐Madena Centre, Al‐Dhahra Centre, and Noflean). All participants approached (400) completed the study and responded to the items of the survey. Based on a modified Finnish Type 2 Diabetes Risk Score test (FINDRISC), 129 (32.3%) were categorised as either at moderate or at high/very high risk of developing diabetes within the next 10 years of life. Among the 129 participants at risk, body mass index was >25 kg/m2 in 125 (96.9%) and waist circumferences were high (>88 cm for females;>102 cm for males) in almost 45% of the women and 22% of the men. We found that in the sample studied the risk of developing diabetes was clear, and there is no doubt that interventions to reduce such risk are a priority rather than a need. Diabetes has a great impact on the health of the nation and also on the future resources of the country in managing the disease and its complications; a health education/health campaign could be one good answer to tackle the problem. arabic 9 English 54
Hawa Juma El-Shareif(6-2009)

Takayasu’s arteritis (TA) is a large‑vessel vasculitis that involves the aorta and its major branches. Renal arteries are frequently involved, usually with renovascular hypertension. The prevalence of TA in Arabs is low. A study of the epidemiological and clinical features of TA in Arabs included 197 identified patients between 1995 and 2012 and none of them was Libyan. We report a 61‑year‑old Libyan woman in whom TA manifested with hypokalemia and arterial hypertension. Previous ultrasound showed renal size asymmetry raised the possibility of renal artery stenosis. The diagnosis of TA was confirmed by magnetic resonance angiography, which showed a thickened abdominal aortic wall, occlusions of the left renal artery and left common iliac artery, stenosis of the right common iliac artery, and stenosis of both subclavian arteries. TA is rarely encountered in Arabs. However, the disease must be considered in patients who present with renovascular hypertension, in a context of other autoimmune disorders. arabic 6 English 33
Hawa Juma El-Shareif(1-2019)

The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the risk factors for acute myocardial infarction in patients attending Tripoli Medical Centre, Libya. Records were reviewed for 622 patients with a mean age of 58.3 (SD 12.9) years. Diabetes mellitus (48.2%), hypertension (35.7%) and smoking (50.6%) were among the risk factors reported. There were 110 patients (17.7%) who died during hospitalization, mainly suffering cardiogenic shock (48.0%). The rate of use of thrombolytic therapy was low in patients who were female (40.4% versus 58.4% for males), older age (31.6% for those > 85 years versus 63.3% for patients < 55 years), diabetics (45.3% versus 62.0% for non-diabetic patients) and hypertensives (47.3% versus 57.8% for non-hypertensive patients). Prevention strategies should be implemented in order to improve the long-term prognosis and decrease overall morbidity and mortality from coronary artery disease in Libyan patients. arabic 20 English 112
Hawa Juma El-Shareif(4-2012)