Prevalence of Risk Factors for Diabetes Mellitus in A Non-Diabetic Population in Jos; Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is assuming epidemic proportions worldwide; but probably more so in the developing world. Identification of risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus is a necessary step in planning prevention programmes for diabetes mellitus. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of risk factors for type 2 DM among inhabitants of Jos; a northern city on the Nigerian Plateau. Method: A district in central Jos was randomly picked. Census of the district was carried out to record the names of all eligible residents from 250 households selected systematically. A questionnaire was administered by trained interviewers. Socio-demographic data; family history of diabetes; and data on work related physical activity were recorded. Height; weight and waist and hip circumferences were also measured. BMI (kg/m2) and waist-hip ration were calculated. Results: Of 902 subjects (? 15years of age); 825 (91.5) responded. The mean (SD) age of 400 males and 422 females were respectively 36.4 (15.2) and 39.9 (17.3) years. About 50of the respondents were inactive. 435 (52.7) were currently taking alcohol. Twenty nine (3.5) of the subjects admitted to parental history of DM. 177 (21.4) were either overweight or obese. 32of males and 86of females had abnormal waist circumferences (WCE). 96 (23.8) males and 316 (74.9) females had abnormal WHR. BMI correlated strongly and significantly with WHR (r = 0.64; p 0.001) and WCE (r Conclusion: Inactivity; alcohol usage and excess weight appear to be dominant risk factors for development of type 2 DM in this group of upland Nigerians