Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Diabetes in Semi-Urban Communities in South West, Nigeria
Olamoyegun, A.M.; Oluyombo, R.; Iwuala, O.S.; Gbadegesin, A.B.; Olaifa, O.; Babatunde, A.O.; Asaolu, O.S.
West African Journal of Medicine 33(4): 264-269
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 0189-160X PMID: 26445070 Document Number: 673774
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a growing public health problem both in developing and developed countries. The prevalence of diabetes has doubled in the last 20 years. This study aimed to assess the burden of type 2 diabetes in semi-urban communities in Ekiti, South-West Nigeria. This study was part of a larger study to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among adults (>18 years) dwellers in 10 semi-urban communities. A total of 750 respondents took part in the study, using stratified sampling method to recruit participants within these communities. They had their clinical history assessed, fasting blood glucose (FBG) determined and body mass indices measured. Of the 750 participants recruited 529 (70.5%) were females, 51 (6.8%) had FBG >7.0mmol/L (126mg/dl), hence were diagnosed as having DM and 45 participants (6.0%) had Impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Both DM and IFG were higher in males than females but the differences not statistically significantly. All indices of anthropometry (BMI, WC and WHR) were significantly higher in females than males. Family history of diabetes, age, BMI, WC and systolic hypertension were significantly associated with DM. The prevalence and risk factors for the development of DM and IFG are high in these communities. This requires prompt and adequate health promotion so as to reduce the burden of these conditions in this environment.