This study confirms that Qat chewing induces anorexia, weak stream of micturition, post-chewing urethral discharge and insomnia (delayed bedtime), which result in late wake-up next morning and low work performance the next day. These effects are believed to be caused by the central and peripheral actions of cathinone and cathine in the Qat leaves.

The ever-increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus is a cause for growing public health concern in both developed and developing countries. In this study, we aim to explore the special demographic and clinical features of diabetes, as seen in a large sample of Yemeni patients, and to compare these features with those reported in other countries. All patients referred to our diabetic clinic over a five-year period were investigated according to a standardized protocol. Data was collected and fed into a personal computer with a software statistical package for analysis. The relative frequencies of clinical classes of diabetes were 10.5% for IDD, 58.6% for non-obese NIDDM; 26.2% for obese NIDDM, and 4.7% for IGT. In the IDDM class, the age-specific relative frequency rate showed a higher and earlier onset peak frequency in females than in males. Among NIDDM class, about 31% of patients were diagnosed under the age of 45 years, and only 12% were first diagnosed after the age of 65 years. Most NIDDM patients came from social classes I and II (professionals and intermediate professionals) and most IDDM patients came from social class IIIM (skilled manual). A positive family history of diabetes among first-degree relatives of index patients was observed in 33.7% of IDDM patients, in 30% of non-obese NIDDM patients, in 39.2% of obese NIDDM patients and 32% of IGT patients. Female NIDDM patients had a significantly higher mean body mass index (BMI) than males (P<0.0001). Hypertension was recognized in 24.2% of the diabetic population aged 20 to A(3) 65 years. Large vessel disease (LVD) was observed in 28% of patients, small vessel disease (SVD) in 45%, and peripheral neuropathy in 40.7%. Inadequate glycemic control was noticed during follow-up in the majority of patients. Diabetes mellitus in Yemen, especially NIDDM, is characterized by an earlier age at onset, and predominance of males and non-obese NIDM subclass. Other characteristics include moderate genetic susceptibility, inadequate glycemic control and high prevalence of chronic complications.