Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus in Newly Admitted Undergraduates of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria

Abstract

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was studied in newly admitted undergraduates of Olabisi Onabanjo University. A total of 2,421 apparently healthy young adults (undergraduates) were randomly selected from the newly admitted undergraduates who registered in a session (period of 9 months) in Olabisi Onabanjo University Health Centre, Ago-Iwoye. These subjects were screened biochemically for diabetes mellitus, by carrying out urinalysis as well as capillary blood glucose estimation using the standard glucometer. The 1997 World Health Organization criteria for diagnosis of diabetes mellitus was used. The overall prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 3.47%. Generally the prevalence increases with age among the study population. There was no statistically significant difference between the sexes (Male/Female = 2.9% - 4.2%).

Key words: Prevalence, Diabetes Mellitus, University Health Centre, Newly admitted undergraduates.

Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol.47(3) 2005: 26-28