Type 2 diabetes in adult Nigerians: a study of its prevalence and risk factors in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract 

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence rates of type 2 diabetes and to determine potential associated risk factors of the disease in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Research design and methods: Five hundred and two (502) subjects aged above 40 years, obtained by a two-stage cluster sampling technique participated in this survey. Casual (random) plasma glucose estimations were done for all subjects after relevant personal data were obtained. Subjects with casual plasma glucose (CPG) ≥7.0 mmol/l had oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) done. Fasting and 2 h post glucose load blood samples were analyzed for plasma glucose levels. Results: Thirty-four (34) subjects had diabetes, giving a crude prevalence rate of 6.8% (CI=4.6–9.0%), and standardized rate of 7.9%. The crude prevalence rates were 7.7 and 5.7% for males and females, respectively. Of the 34 diabetic subjects seen, 14 (41.2%) of them were not previously known to have diabetes; 83.7% of these were asymptomatic. Body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m² and WHR≥0.85, family history of diabetes, physical inactivity, heavy consumption of alcohol, older age as well as high social status and Hausa–Fulani or Ibibio origin were associated with significantly higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Conclusion: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Port Harcourt is relatively high. Changing lifestyle associated with industrialization may explain this. A significant proportion of the diabetic subjects are asymptomatic and undiagnosed. The risk factors as shown in our study clearly emphasize the point that type 2 diabetes is to a large extent a preventable disease.

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes in adult Nigerians, Plasma glucose, Body mass index