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 7.0 mmol/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 = 27.43 Kg/m2) and one was obese (BMI = 31.55 Kg/m2), while among those with impaired fasting glucose two were overweight. Forty-three 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.