Prevalence and risk factors for diabetes mellitus among adults aged 50 years and above in a community in imo state, Nigeria

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a growing global public health problem, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the burden continues to rise rapidly. Older adults are especially vulnerable to type 2 diabetes and its complications. This study assessed the prevalence of type 2 diabetes among adults aged 50 years and above in Okwuato community, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria, and examined selected associated risk factors.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was adopted. A total of 157 respondents aged 50 years and above participated in the study using multistage sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and fasting blood glucose (FBG) testing with a glucometer. Blood glucose levels were classified according to the American Diabetes Association criteria into normal, prediabetic, and diabetic categories. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The findings revealed that 58.6% of respondents had normal fasting blood glucose levels, while 24.2% were prediabetic and 17.2% were diabetic. A considerable proportion of respondents reported hypertension, physical inactivity, and other lifestyle-related risk factors. Respondents with family history of diabetes, hypertension, smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor sleep duration demonstrated noticeable occurrences of abnormal blood glucose levels. However, chi-square analysis showed no statistically significant association between these risk factors and diabetes status (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: The prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes among older adults in the study community was relatively high, indicating an emerging burden of metabolic disorders. The findings highlight the need for regular community-based screening, health education, lifestyle modification programs, and early intervention strategies to reduce the burden and complications of type 2 diabetes among older adults.