Risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus in adolescents secondary school students in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2 DM) in children and adolescents is on the increase, therefore, prevention and early detection are important.Objective: To assess for easily identifiable risk factors (overweight/obesity, hypertension, Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG) and family history of diabetes) for T2DM in adolescents in public secondary schoolsResult: Eight hundred and eighty adolescents aged 10 to 19 years were screened and 124(14.1%) were overweight/obese. 457 (51.9%) of students had none of the risk factors while 272(30.9%) had at least one risk factor. Using the American Diabetes Association criteria for identification of those at risk for T2DM, 21(2.4%) were identified. The frequency of presence of risk factors was more in females (3.3%), mid adolescent age group (3.1%) and those with positive family history of diabetes. These findings were however not statistically significant. There was a statistically significant association between presence of hypertension and impaired fasting glucose and risk factor for type 2 DM.Conclusion: The significant risk factors identified in this study were prehypertension/hypertension and impaired fasting blood glucose.Key words: Adolescence, Risk factors, Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Knowledge, attitude, and perceived risks related to diabetes mellitus among university students in Southwestern Nigeria

“…As a result, it is projected that the global population of individuals living with diabetes may reach as high as 570 million by the year 2040 [ 11 ].Africa has one of the highest prevalence rates of high-risk groups for DM, with approximately 10% of its population exhibiting impaired glucose tolerance values [ 12 ]. In Nigeria, similar findings have been documented, highlighting a high risk of diabetes among adolescents in various regions: Port Harcourt (17%) [ 13 ], Ibadan (4%) [ 14 ], and Osogbo (9%) [ 15 ]. The increasing prevalence of DM among children, adolescents, and young adults is attributed to rising rates of obesity [ 16 , 17 ], physical inactivity [ 10 , 18 ], and unhealthy dietary habits [ 19 ].…”

Prediabetes in children and adolescents: a narrative review

“…This finding is slightly lower than the 14.5% of IFG reported by Agbre-Yace et al, 33 Different environmental risk factors and lifestyles may have also contributed. Jaja and colleagues in Port Harcourt, 18 South-South Nigeria, reported IFG and IGT to be 17% and 15%, respectively, in adolescents aged 10-19 years. The higher IFG was obtained using the ISPAD criteria, while 4% was obtained using the WHO criteria.…”

“…17 Prediabetes in children varies with the incidence of obesity, race, and other risk factors. 18 The prevalence of prediabetes in obese children and adolescents ranges between 21% and 40% based on different studies. 19,20 The prevalence in children in most developed countries ranges between 6% and 32%.…”

Effects of teacher-led educational intervention on knowledge and attitude towards the prevention of diabetes mellitus among students of a secondary school in Southern Nigeria: a single group quasi-experimental study

“…Currently, there is a growing prevalence of DM among children and adolescents. Diabetes was previously thought to be a disease of adults and the elderly and is gradually manifesting itself among children, teenagers, and adolescents in secondary schools in Nigeria [6][7][8][9][10]. However, Nigeria is one of the world's top five countries (together with Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and South Africa) without comprehensive incidence and prevalence data for type-1 DM data for < 20 years old [1].…”