The Importance of Interprofessional Practice and Education in the Era of Accountable Care

### Objectives The aim of this research was to estimate the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), in African women of childbearing age. ### Study design Systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant African studies published from January 2000 to December 2016. ### Data sources We searched several databases, including EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, grey literature and references of included studies. ### Setting Studies carried out in African communities or any population-based studies were included. ### Participants We included studies, carried out in Africa, with non-pregnant women of childbearing age. Studies must have been published between the years 2000 and 2016. ### Outcomes The primary outcome was prevalent T2DM. The secondary outcomes were IFG and IGT. ### Data extraction and synthesis Two reviewers independently extracted data and, using the adapted Hoy risk of bias tool, independently assessed for risk of bias. We used random-effects meta-analysis models to pool prevalence estimates across studies. We used Cochran's Q statistic and the I^2^ statistic to assess heterogeneity. ### Results A total of 39 studies from 27 countries were included, totaling 52 075 participants, of which 3813 had T2DM. The pooled prevalence of T2DM was 7.2% (95% CI 5.6% to 8.9%) overall and increased with age. The pooled prevalence was 6.0% (95% CI 4.2% to 8.2%) for impaired fasting glycemia while the prevalence of IGT ranged from 0.9% to 37.0% in women aged 15--24 and 45--54 years, respectively. Substantial heterogeneity across studies was not explained by major studies characteristics such as period of publication, rural/urban setting or whether a study was nationally representative or not. ### Conclusion This review highlights the need for interventions to prevent and control diabetes in African women of childbearing age, in view of the significant prevalence of T2DM and prediabetes. ### PROSPERO registration number CRD42015027635