In adults, infrequent consumption of vegetables, pot belly, urban living, physical inactivity, high socioeconomic status, urban living, overweight and family history increase the risk of Nigerians developing diabetes, study says .
The study, a review of the prevalence and risk factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Nigeria, also reported that the South-South zone had the highest prevalence of diabetes (11.35%), while the north-central had the lowest. Prevalence of diabetes (2.03%).
According to them, the regional variation reflects a similar finding for obesity and sedentary lifestyle, which are important risk factors for T2DM.
The review of 60 studies conducted between 1989 and 2024 and involving 124,876 participants from different geopolitical zones in Nigeria indicated that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Nigeria (7.0%) was almost double the 2019 International Diabetes Federation estimate (3 .7%) and shows a 21.3% increase compared to the 2019 review.
The combined T2DM prevalence of 7.0% obtained in this meta-analysis translates to 8.02 million Nigerians (1 in 14 adults) living with diabetes.
In the sub-analysis by states, Kaduna State had the highest pooled prevalence of T2DM, 2.01%; Akwa-Ibom, 11.0%, Kano, Lagos and Rivers states had a combined prevalence of 10% each, while Kwara State has the lowest prevalence of 1.20%.
The report, published in Clinical Diabetes Endocrinology, said that family history (9.73), high socioeconomic status (6.72), physical inactivity (5.92), urban living (4.79), obesity (3.07), hypertension, infrequent consumption of vegetables (2.68) and abdominal obesity (1.81) significantly increase the likelihood of Nigerians developing diabetes.
According to the study, the most important risk factor for T2DM in Nigeria is a positive family history. People who have a family history of diabetes are at least nine times more likely to have the disease compared to those without a family history.
They stated: “Type 2 diabetes is largely associated with age, with people aged 45 years and older having a higher chance of developing the disease. As people age, their ability to use insulin gradually decreases, leading to a steady reduction in insulin sensitivity.
“With increasing urbanization and rates of sedentary lifestyles, it is imperative to address lifestyle factors, including nutrition and physical activity.
“Diabetes is largely preventable by encouraging public awareness campaigns about the value of healthy eating practices, decreasing the intake of processed foods, and increasing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Promoting regular physical activity with programs such as walking and cycling infrastructure improvements and community exercise regimens can help counteract the growing trend toward sedentary behavior that increases the risk of diabetes.
“Furthermore, for early identification and treatment of diabetes risk factors in Nigeria, expanding access to screening programs and healthcare facilities is essential. “Improve primary health care infrastructure and educate medical staff on how to offer comprehensive lifestyle modifications.”