Prevalence of Prediabetes in First Degree Relatives of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Tertiary Centre in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

<i>Introduction:</i> Prediabetes confers about a sixfold increased risk of diabetes and a two to threefold increased risk of cardiovascular events. A family history of diabetes is a major risk factor for the development of diabetes. The detection of prediabetes in its early stages in persons at risk could lead to the delay or prevention of the disease and subsequent adverse sequalae. <i>Methods:</i> A total of 180 first-degree relatives (FDR) of patients with type 2 diabetes and 90 controls were assessed. A fasting venous blood sample was collected for fasting plasma glucose. Following 75g of anhydrous glucose ingestion, the 2-hour post glucose load and glycated haemoglobin was assessed. Statistical significance was set at a p value <0.05. <i>Results:</i> The mean age of the cases who were first degree relatives of type 2 DM was 38.2±12.3 years with a female to male ratio of 1.4:1. The prevalence of prediabetes was 23.9% which was significantly higher than in the controls (10%; χ²=8.385, p=0.015). Using the various indices of glycaemic control, impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance and elevated HbA1c in the FDR’s was found in 15.0%, 12.2% and 15.6% respectively. <i>Conclusion:</i> Relatives of Type 2 DM patients should be considered as primary target for diabetes preventive programs as this will necessitate institution of effective measures early to delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus.