Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus Among Adult Population Within a Southern Nigerian Community

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing globally, particularly in low and middle-income countries, driven by factors like rapid population growth, urbanization, obesity, and physical inactivity. In the south-south geopolitical zone of Nigeria, the pooled prevalence is 9.8%. This study focused on assessing the prevalence of DM in the Rumuomasi community in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Method: 199 persons participated in this cross-sectional study using convenience sampling carried out at an outreach by GoodHeart and Life Support Initiative in November 2023 at the Rumuomasi community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers state, Nigeria as part of the World Diabetes Day. Fasting blood glucose were collected using two validated glucometers (Kiptrack blood glucose monitor) with a timing of 10 seconds and analyzed descriptively. Results: Out of 199 participants (63 males, 136 females), this study found a 6.53% diabetes prevalence (13 individuals), mostly in the 41-60 age group (n=7) and >60 age group (n=5). Despite this, the majority had normal fasting blood glucose. Pre-diabetes was present in 5.53% of the population. Conclusion: The prevalence of DM in this community (6.53%) was lower than the earlier reported of 6.8% in Port Harcourt in 2003 and 9.0% in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. This could be as a result of increasing diabetic – awareness programmes. Enlightenment campaigns on routine glucose checks, campaigns highlighting the value of a traditional lifestyle, particularly with regard to diet should be carried out more often.