Prevalence of diabetes in a semi-urban community in northern Nigeria.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a growing public health problem both in developing and developed nations. The prevalence of diabetes globally is projected to rise from 2.8% in 2000 to 4.4% in 2030.This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of diabetes in Dakace village, near Zaria Method: This study was part of a larger study to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors among adults in Dakace village, near Zaria. Out of a total of 492 eligible respondents for the study, a subsample of 199 persons was recruited using a systematic sampling technique had their fasting blood glucose levels determined. Body mass indices of the participants were also determined. Results: A total of 199 subjects (94 males and 105 females) participated in this segment of the study. Three subjects had fasting blood glucose (FBG) of more than 7.0mmol/L; one participant a previously known diabetic on medication had a good glycaemic control. The overall prevalence of diabetes was 2.0%.Five participants (2.5%) had impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Among the diabetics, one was overweight (BMI= 27.43Kg/m2) and one was obese (BMI=31.55Kg/m2), while among those with impaired fasting glucose two were overweight. Fortythree subjects (21.6%) were overweight and 15 (7.5%) were obese. Conclusion: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in this semi-urban community is keeping with what had been reported earlier from across the country.Nigerian Journal of Medicine Vol. 17 (4) 2008: pp. 414-41