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. 2018 Jun;9(3):1307-1316.
doi: 10.1007/s13300-018-0441-1. Epub 2018 May 14.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Diabetes Mellitus in Nigeria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Andrew E Uloko  1 , Baba M Musa  2 , Mansur A Ramalan  2 , Ibrahim D Gezawa  2 , Fabian H Puepet  3 , Ayekame T Uloko  4 , Musa M Borodo  2 , Kabiru B Sada  5
Affiliations

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Diabetes Mellitus in Nigeria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Andrew E Uloko et al. Diabetes Ther. 2018 Jun.

Abstract

Introduction: There has been no nationwide health (diabetes) survey in Nigeria since 1992, when a diabetes mellitus (DM) prevalence of 2.2% was reported. We aimed to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for DM in Nigeria by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: We searched Medline, EMBASE, PubMed, PapersFirst, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, Bioline, African Journals Online, Institute of Scientific Information, and Google Scholar from the year 1990 to 2017. Using MeSH headings, the terms "diabetes mellitus," "risk factors," "prevalence," and "Nigeria" as well as variations thereof were searched for. The last search was performed on 26 November 2017. We only included studies that utilized the random plasma glucose test, the fasting plasma glucose test, the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), or HbA1c to diagnose DM. A total of 23 studies (n = 14,650 persons) were evaluated. A random effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of DM. We estimated the overall pooled prevalence of DM and subgroup-specific DM prevalences while accounting for inter-study and intra-study variability/heterogeneity.

Results: The overall pooled prevalence of DM was 5.77% (95% CI 4.3-7.1). The pooled prevalences of DM in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria were 3.0% (95% CI 1.7-4.3) in the north-west, 5.9% (95% CI 2.4-9.4) in the north-east, 3.8% (95% CI 2.9-4.7) in the north-central zone, 5.5% (95% CI 4.0-7.1) in the south-west, 4.6% (95% CI 3.4-5.9) in the south-east, and 9.8% (95% CI 7.2-12.4) in the south-south zone. Risk factors for the pooled prevalence of DM were a family history of DM (4.6%; 95% CI 3.5-5.6); urban dwelling (6.0%; 95% CI 4.3-7.8); unhealthy dietary habits (8.0%; 95% CI 5.4-10.5); cigarette smoking (4.4%; 95% CI 1.3-10.2); older age (6.6%; 95% CI 4.5-8.7); physical inactivity (4.8%; 95% CI 3.2-6.4); and obesity (5.3%; 95% CI 3.8-6.9).

Conclusion: There has been an increase in the prevalence of DM in Nigeria. All regions of the country have been affected, with the highest prevalence seen in the south-south geopolitical zone. Urban dwelling, physical inactivity, advanced age, and unhealthy diet are important risk factors for DM among Nigerians. A national diabetes care and prevention policy is highly recommended.

Keywords: Diabetes prevalence; Meta-analysis; Nigeria; Risk factors; Systematic review.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow diagram of the studies included in the meta-analysis
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Forest plot showing the overall prevalence of diabetes and the prevalences of diabetes in subgroups categorized by method of diagnosis
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Prevalence of diabetes in each geopolitical zone of Nigeria
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Prevalences of risk factors for diabetes mellitus
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. WHO. Definition, diagnosis and classification of diabetes mellitus and its complications, part 1. Geneva: WHO; 1999.
    1. International Diabetes Federation. Diabetes atlas. 8th ed. Brussels: International Diabetes Federation; 2017.
    1. Uloko AE, Ofoegbu EN, Chinenye S, Fasanmade OA, Fasanmade AA, Ogbera AO, et al. Profile of Nigerians with diabetes mellitus—Diabcare Nigeria study group (2008): results of a multicenter study. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2012;16(4):558–564. (ERRATUM IN: Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2012;16(6):981). - PMC - PubMed
    1. Nyenwe EA, Odia OJ, Ihekwaba AE, Ojule A, Babatunde S. Type 2 diabetes in adult Nigerians: a study of its prevalence and risk factors in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2003;62(3):177–185. doi: 10.1016/j.diabres.2003.07.002. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Puepet FH, Ohwovoriole AE. Prevalence of risk factors for diabetes mellitus in a non-diabetic population in Jos, Nigeria. Niger J Med. 2008;17(1):71–74. doi: 10.4314/njm.v17i1.37360. - DOI - PubMed

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