Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Southern Cross River: a cross-sectional observational survey

The International Diabetes Federation estimates that 1.6 million (1 in 53) Nigerian adults have diabetes mellitus while 60.7% (949,900) of Nigerian adults with diabetes are undiagnosed. In spite of these worrying projections, current nationwide data on diabetes prevalence to aid policy formulation in Nigeria is non-existent. This was a cross-sectional observational study that recruited 1200 adults residing in the Southern Cross River State. Glucometers were used to measure the fasting capillary glucose of participants, and those with readings ≥ 7 mmol/l were asked to come back the following day for another fasting blood glucose check for confirmation. Those who had two fasting blood glucose readings consistently ≥ 7 mmol/l were classed as having diabetes mellitus and referred to the nearest hospital for further evaluation and management. Blood pressure and waist circumference were also measured. There were 683 (56.9%) females and the mean age of the participants was 41.3 ± 15.3. Using body mass index (BMI), 159 (13.3%) participants were found to be obese. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus among the tested participants was 6.9%. Univariate analysis was carried out to identify associations with diabetes among the participants. Statistically significant associations were identified between blood pressure > 140/90 mmHg (p = 0.013), local government area (p = 0.001), level of education (p = 0.002), and diabetes. The diabetes mellitus prevalence of 6.9% in this community is much higher than internationally reported estimates for Nigeria and makes a compelling case for further epidemiological studies on diabetes in Nigeria and prioritisation of this disease by health policy makers.