Prevalence of prediabetes in secondary school students in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of prediabetes using impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in secondary school students aged 10 to 19 years in Port Harcourt; Nigeria; and to determine associated risk factors. Fasting blood glucose (FBG); blood pressure (BP); and body mass index (BMI) was measured. All students who had a FBG of 5.6 - 6.9mmol/l were asked to undergo an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). A total of 880 students were studied. The prevalence of IFG using the International Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) criteria was 17% and prevalence was comparatively higher in subjects who were obese; had systolic prehypertension or diastolic hypertension; as well as a family history of diabetes. There was; however; no statistical association between the BMI percentile categories; BP category; sex and age category; or family history of diabetes and occurrence of IFG. The prevalence of IFG was 4% using the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Only one child had diabetes. Sixty-six (42%) students who had IFG had an OGTT; of which 10(15%) had IGT. We conclude that prediabetes is common in this population; and screening should be considered; at least in those with obesity or a family history in diabetes

Knowledge and awareness of diabetes among adolescents in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Diabetes is becoming a global burden; with prevalence increasing in both children and adults. This study aimed to determine the level of awareness and basic knowledge of diabetes among adolescents in secondary schools in Port Harcourt; southern Nigeria. It was a cross-sectional study carried out in six selected schools. A structure questionnaire was used to collect information from the students on their basic knowledge of diabetes (such as cause; symptoms; and awareness of childhood diabetes). Out of 880 students interviewed; 293 (33%) identified that diabetes was a disease of high blood glucose; but only 2 (0.2%) knew that it was a disease associated with insulin deficiency. In addition; 291 (33%) stated it was a disease caused by excessive consumption of sugar. Only 37% could identify two or more symptoms of diabetes. Eleven students had a family history of diabetes; but there was no statistically significant difference in knowledge of the cause and symptoms of diabetes in those with or without a family history. Significantly more males; and students in senior classes; had better knowledge of diabetes. The commonest source of the students'knowledge of diabetes was from doctors (37%) and from teachers (33%). Awareness and knowledge of diabetes among adolescents in Port Harcourt was low; and possibly represents the knowledge of the general populace. There is a need for more education in secondary schools on diabetes in childhood by well-informed health workers and teachers