Diabetes in the obese: current facts

The epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa are increasing. Diabetes in the obese was 12.1%(17) when compared to 7.9%(11) in the non-obese. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.414). Whole carpillary blood glucose and age, waist circumference and average systolic blood pressure had weak positive correlation and had statistically significant association with diabetes (rs = .271, p = 0.0001), (rs = .175, p = 0.003) and (rs = .161, p = 0.007) respectively. Family history of diabetes and age were predictive factors of diabetes (OR = 0.940, 95% CI = 0.91-0.98) and (OR = 3.718, 95% CI = 1.438-9.613) respectively. Prevalence of diabetes in obese was high. There is need to screen adult obese patient for diabetes, especially those who are 60 years and above.