Abstract

Background: Diabetes is of growing global concern with a knowledge gap on how best to assess individuals on their risk of developing Diabetes Mellitus.

Objective: The aim of this study is to identify individuals with high risk of developing Diabetes Mellitus using a simple scoring system so as to contribute to the knowledge in the prevention of Diabetes Mellitus.

Methodology: A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire survey was carried out during the period 1st January to 30th June 2011.

Setting: The study was conducted at the Onitsha North Local Government Area Headquarters, Anambra State, Nigeria. A multistage study design was used. One hundred and forty-three persons were selected from the various Departments in the Local Government Area's headquarters using a systematic sampling method.

Results: There was a high prevalence of physical inactivity of 38.5%, obesity (BMI≥30 kg/m²) of 42.6%, large waist circumference of 74% and positive family history of Diabetes Mellitus of 36.4%. Overall, 9% of the participants have a high risk of developing the disease within 10 year, while about 29% have moderate to high risk of developing Diabetes Mellitus.

Conclusion: This study has shown that 9% of the local government employees studied have a high risk of developing Diabetes Mellitus due to high prevalence of obesity, physical inactivity, sedentary life style, family history of Diabetes Mellitus and large waist circumference.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, early detection of diabetes, risk assessment profile, local government employees, southeastern Nigeria