Experts’ assessment of diabetes in Nigeria report that its prevalence had increased from 2.2 per cent in 1992 to 5.77 per cent in 2017, a 2.6-fold increase in prevalence over the past two and half decades.

Researchers’ analysis of diabetes reported diabetes prevalence was highest in South-South Nigeria. It was 3.0 per cent in the north-west; 5.9 per cent in the north-east, 3.8 per cent in the north-central zone, 5.5 per cent in the South-West, 4.6 per cent in the south-east, and 9.8 per cent in the South-South zone.

They found that urban dwelling, physical inactivity, advanced age, and an unhealthy diet are important risk factors for diabetes among Nigerians, recommending a national diabetes care and prevention policy.

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Risk factors for the disease were a family history of diabetes (4.6 per cent); urban dwelling (6.0 per cent); unhealthy dietary habits (8.0 per cent); cigarette smoking (4.4 per cent); older age (6.6 per cent); physical inactivity (4.8 per cent); and obesity (5.3 per cent). But unhealthy dietary habits, older age, and urban dwelling were the leading risk factors for diabetes in Nigeria.

In a meta-analysis of population-based studies executed between 1990 and 2017, indicated that the lowest rate seen in the north-western zone, mirror a similar finding for obesity, which is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. The study was published in June 2018 edition of the journal, Diabetes Therapy.

Populations previously unaffected or minimally affected by DM are now reporting soaring prevalence figures, which poses a real challenge to health financing by governments and nongovernmental organisations.

There is also a rising burden from the complications of diabetes such as stroke, diabetes-related amputations, heart-related problems, and kidney disease.

Studies have reported a two to fivefold increase in the risk of diabetes and pre-diabetes in association with urban residence. Urbanisation is also associated with decreased physical activity energy expenditure, an independent risk factor for metabolic syndrome.

The modest improvement in living standards witnessed over the past few years in Nigeria has resulted in the ageing of its populace. Insulin resistance tends to worsen with advancing age. This, coupled with decreased physical activity among the aged, increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Among the risk factors for diabetes found in the study, unhealthy dietary habits were the most prevalent, which is not surprising considering the proliferation of fast food outlets in many cities across the country. An unhealthy diet contributes to the development of obesity and diabetes.

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