Abstract
In Ghana, there is an increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in the adult population, which stood at 3.35% by the end of 2013. About 8000 deaths were reported from diabetes in 2013. Changing dietary patterns and lifestyles are associated with the upsurge of DM and in Kumasi the prevalence is 9%. This work sought to determine DM prevalence and associated risk factors among adults in the Kumasi metropolis. The study involved 113 adults from the Oforikrom sub metro. Body Mass Index (BMI) were calculated from weight and height. Venous blood samples were collected for the determination of fasting blood glucose (FBG) using a spectrophotometer. Systolic and diastolic pressures were determined and socio-demographic data were collected using questionnaires. Mean age of participants was 41.8±1.3 years (females=44.9 and males=34.6, p<0.001), mean BMI was 27.3±0.6 kg/m2 (females=29.4 versus males=22.5 kg/m2, p<0.001) and mean FBG was 4.93±0.1 mmol/L (females= 4.97 versus males=4.84, p=0.55). Prevalence of hypoglycemia was 11.5%, normoglycaemia 74.3%, prediabetes 10.7% and diabetes was 3.5%. Close to 35% and 27% were obese and overweight respectively. More females were overweight or obese (82.3%) than the males (15%), p<0.001. Binary regression analysis showed gender as the only significant predictor of high FBG, with females having a 2.76 (95% CI 0.6, 12.7) increased odds of having high FBG compared to males. BMI, age, exercise, family history and diet were not significant predictors of FBG. In this population there was 3.5% observed prevalence of DM, similar to national prevalence, high prevalence of overweight and obesity, associated with female gender.
Highlights
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both [1]
The prevalence of 3.5% of diabetes compares well with the national figure for Ghana of 3.35% by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in the year 2012 [3]. This figure was concluded based on the World Health Organization’s and IDF’s definition of fasting blood glucose of 7.0mmol/L and above as being diabetic. This prevalence cannot be associated with the risk factors of physical activity, aging, gender, obesity, dietary patterns and family history
It is concluded from the study that the prevalence of diabetes stands at 3.5% and pre-diabetes is at 10.7%
Summary
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both [1]. Diabetes is reported in over 354,000 adults, aged 20-79 in 2012 and 6,973 deaths were recorded as a result. It is further estimated that over 292,450 people have undiagnosed diabetes. A three year study by Danquah et al [4] indicated that 6% of the people in Kumasi have type II DM. It was concluded that smoking is a modified risk of type II diabetes [5]. Diabetes increases the risk of death among individuals and is the sixth leading cause of death in the US in the year 2000.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call