Cardiovascular Risk Awareness, Exercise Practices and Metabolic Outcomes among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in Northern Nigeria: A Cross-sectional, Multicentre Study.

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise helps to mitigate cardiovascular risks in people with diabetes mellitus (DM), but there are limited data in Nigeria. This study aimed to assess cardiovascular risk awareness, exercise practices and metabolic outcomes among Nigerians with diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study at five tertiary hospitals using questionnaire interviews and clinical assessments. Participants' knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors and knowledge of exercise were assessed on 12- and 5-item scores, while exercise practices were classed as adequate if performed regularly on 3 or more days weekly for a total of 150 min or more based on the American Diabetes Association recommendations. Mean body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), fasting blood glucose, serum haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), lipid profile, urea, creatinine and uric acid were then compared among participant groups. RESULTS: We studied 426 participants with DM, 58.7% females. The mean age was 52.9 ± 13.1 years, with males significantly older than females (54.6 ± 12.2 vs. 51.8 ± 13.5 years; 95% confidence interval: 0.27-5.28, P = 0.03). The mean age at diabetes diagnosis was 44.8 ± 11.7 years, and the median duration of diabetes was 84 months. There was low knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors and low knowledge of exercise (mean scores of 2.94 and 2.31, respectively). Forty-three per cent of participants reported adequate exercise, which was significantly associated with younger age (P = 0.007), male gender (P = 0.001) and formal education (P = 0.021). Participants with adequate exercise had lower systolic BP and serum urea compared to those with inadequate exercise, but there were no significant differences in BMI, fasting glucose, HbA1c, serum lipids, creatinine or uric acid. CONCLUSION: Participants had low knowledge of cardiovascular risks and the appropriate exercise practices for diabetes patients. There is a need for better patient education on diabetes self-care and exercise at clinic visits.

Doppler Sonographic Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes of Diabetic Foot Syndrome: A 5-Year Audit from a Tertiary Hospital in Northern Nigeria.

Background: Diabetes foot syndrome is one of the common complications of diabetes. Detailed information on the clinical and vascular characteristics of patients with diabetic foot disease in relation to the outcome of the care provided to these patients will be useful to policymakers and clinicians in early detection and timely interventions for the prevention of disabling complications. Materials and Methods: This is a review of patients with diabetic foot managed in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital over 5 years (January 2017-May 2022). The sociodemographic characteristics, Wagner classification of the foot, Doppler sonographic characteristics and clinical outcomes, etc., were reviewed. Results: A total of 51 patients were reviewed. Males and females accounted for 56.8% and 43.1%, respectively. Twenty-five patients had Wagner grade 4 ulcers, and fewer patients had Wagner grade 1 and 5-foot ulcers. The mean ± standard deviation Doppler arterial intimal media thickness was 1.53 ± 0.33 (range 0.90-2.40 mm). The majority of DFS patients had Doppler sonographic lesions on the right lower limb 28 (54.9%) only, and 11 (21.6%) of the lesions were bilateral. The posterior tibial artery 11 (21.6%) was the most involved arterial segment with plaques, followed by a combination of popliteal and tibial arterial 10 (19.6%) segments. At 6 months, 45.2% had limb amputation, 17.6% healed ulcers, 17.6% delayed wound healing, and 9.8% died. Conclusion: There is an unacceptably high prevalence of poor treatment outcomes, thus, contributing to a huge burden of care to patients living with diabetes. There is a strong association between severe arterial stenosis detected by Doppler ultrasound and higher rates of amputations.

The role of medical-grade maggots in facilitating healing of diabetic foot ulcers in Kano, northern Nigeria: a case series.

OBJECTIVE: Approximately 13% of people living with diabetes develop one or more ulcers during the course of the disease, and diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is responsible for >60% of lower limb amputations worldwide. This case series aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of medical-grade maggots on DFUs in promoting wound healing and reducing related hospital stays in northern Nigeria. METHOD: Maggot debridement therapy (MDT) was applied to the DFUs of patients who consented to this treatment between January-August 2021 at the Orthopaedic Unit of the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, Nigeria. Sterile first instar larvae of Lucilia sericata were obtained indigenously and applied using the confinement (free-range) method under aseptic procedure. RESULTS: A total of 15 patients with DFUs of Wagner classification grades III (33.3%) and IV (66.7%), were seen and documented. The patients included 10 (66.7%) females and five (33.3%) males, giving a female:male ratio of 2:1. The mean age (±standard deviation) of the respondents was 51.6±10.8 years. The surface area of the wounds ranged from 24-140cm2, with a median value of 75cm2. Among the patients, 60% had two cycles of MDT, with a median duration of five days. Most of the wounds (53.3%) were debrided within five days; 13.3% (two wounds) took seven days to be fully debrided. A paired sample t-test showed a statistically significant association between wound surface area and therapy duration (t=8.0; p=0.000) and between wound surface area and cycles of therapy (t=8.3; p=0.000). Before maggot application, 14 (93.3%) DFUs were completely (100%) covered with slough and only one (6.7%) was 95% covered with slough. After maggot application, 10 (66.7%) wounds were completely debrided while five (33.3%) wounds required bedside surgical debridement to achieve complete debridement. A paired sample t-test showed statistically significant difference between the pre- and post-MDT slough covering the wounds (t=45.1; p=0.000). CONCLUSION: In this case series, MDT was successfully used in the debridement of DFUs, which facilitated the healing process with an encouraging clinical outcome.

Prevalence and risk factors of diabetes foot ulcers in Kano, northwestern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Foot complications account for more hospital admissions than any other diabetes mellitus (DM) complications with adverse outcomes being foot ulcers and amputation. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of diabetic foot ulcers in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the diabetes outpatient clinics and medical and surgical wards of two hospitals in Kano, Nigeria. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, type, and duration of DM. The study subjects were assessed for the presence of and risk factors for foot ulcers. RESULTS: We recruited 394 patients with DM (163 males and 231 females) with a mean (SD) age and duration of DM of 50.8 ± 12.5 years and 7.72 ± 6.65 years respectively. Type 2 DM was present in 95% of the study subjects. Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) was present in 57 (14.5%) of the patients. Risk factors associated with DFU assessed using univariate analysis were older age, longer duration of DM, presence of peripheral neuropathy (PN), peripheral arterial disease (PAD), diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, foot deformities, previous DFU, and poor glycemic control. The independent determinants of DFU were previous DFU, foot deformities, retinopathy, PN, PAD, and poor glycemic control. CONCLUSION: DFU can be found in our setting and the predominant risk factors for DFU are common and remain unchanged in our environment. This study, therefore, buttresses the effect of early detection and treatment of DM in preventing the complications that arise from the disease.

Health-related quality of life of persons with diabetic foot ulcers in a cosmopolitan city in northwestern Nigeria.

Background: Diabetic foot ulcer is one of the most serious and disabling complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). It is a major source of morbidity, mortality, and a leading cause of hospitalization. It constitutes a major burden to the patient, family, and health-care system as well as impairs quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to determine the QoL of persons with diabetic foot ulcers attending two major hospitals in a cosmopolitan city in northwestern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study at the diabetes outpatient clinics and wards of two major hospitals in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria. Sociodemographic characteristics, type of DM, duration of DM, and the presence of risk factors for foot ulcers were assessed. The QoL of patients with and without foot ulcer was determined a well-validated questionnaire for chronic diseases, short form 36 (SF 36) health-related QoL questionnaire. Results: We recruited 394 patients with DM (163 males and 231 females) with mean age and duration of DM of 50.8 ± 12.5 years and 7.72 ± 6.65 years, respectively. Ninety-five percent of the study participants had type 2 DM. Foot ulcers were present in 57 (14.5%) study participants. The QoL was generally poor (P < 0.001) in patients with DFU, compared with those without DFU in all domains of the SF 36, that indicated poor QoL in the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the patients. Conclusion: Diabetic foot ulcers are quite common and impart significantly on the QoL of persons with DM affecting their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Early detection and management of foot ulcers will reduce the burden of the disease and improve the QoL of affected individuals.

Résumé Contexte: L'ulcère du pied diabétique est l'une des complications les plus graves et les plus invalidantes du diabète sucré (DM). C'est une source majeure de 14 morbidité, mortalité, et l'une des principales causes d'hospitalisation. Il constitue un fardeau majeur pour le patient, la famille et le système de soins de santé, car 15 ans et nuit à la qualité de vie (QoL). Le but de cette étude était de déterminer la qualité de vie des personnes atteintes d'ulcères de pied diabétique fréquentant deux 16 hôpitaux principaux dans une ville cosmopolite du nord-ouest du Nigéria. Matériaux et Méthodes: Nous avons mené une étude transversale descriptive 17 dans les cliniques externes de diabète et les salles de deux grands hôpitaux à Kano, nord-ouest du Nigeria. Des caractéristiques sociodémographiques, le type 18 de DM, la durée de DM, et la présence des facteurs de risque pour des ulcères de pied ont été évalués. La qualité de vie des patients avec et sans ulcère de pied était 19 déterminé un questionnaire bien-validé pour les maladies chroniques, questionnaire court-connexe de qol de la forme 36 (SF 36). Résultats: Nous avons recruté 394 patient avec le DM (163 mâles et 231 femelles) avec l'âge moyen et la durée du DM de 50,8 ± 12,5 ans et 7,72 ± 6,65 ans, respectivement. 20 Quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent des participants à l'étude présentaient un DM de type 2. Des ulcères du pied étaient présents dans 57 (14,5 %) participants à l'étude. Le QoL était généralement pauvre (P < 0,001) dans les patients avec DFU, comparé à ceux sans DFU dans tous les domaines du SF 36, qui a indiqué le QoL pauvre dans le bien-être physique, mental, 22, et émotionnel des patients. Conclusion: Les ulcères diabétiques de pied sont tout à fait communs et transmettent de manière significative sur la QoL de 23 personnes avec le DM affectant leur bien-être physique, mental, et émotionnel. La détection et la prise en charge précoces des ulcères du pied réduiront le fardeau de la maladie et amélioreront la qualité de vie des personnes touchées. Mots-clés: Ulcère du pied diabétique, Qualité de vie liée à la santé, Nord-Ouest du Nigéria, questionnaire abrégé.

Diabetes-related knowledge, attitude, and practice among outpatients of a tertiary hospital in North-western Nigeria.

Introduction: One of the challenges facing the management of diabetes is the misconception and inadequate knowledge about the disease. We assessed the level of diabetes-related knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among patients with diabetes in North-western Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study. A total of 400 participants were recruited. A KAP questionnaire was used to assess the KAP of the patients. Glycated hemoglobin was used to measure the level of glucose control of the study participants. Results: The mean age of the patients was 51 years, majority being females 233 (58.3%). The mean knowledge score was 6.2 ± 3.1 points (out of 15), average attitude score was 2.5 ± 1.5 points (out of 5), and the mean practice score was 2.1 ± 1.3 points (out of 6). The level of KAP was found to be directly related to glycemic control (P < 0.01). The level of education (odds ratio [OR]: 5.0 and 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.196-0.452) and monthly income (OR: 4.4 and 95% CI: 0.123-0.326) were found to be independent predictors of diabetes-related KAP. Conclusion: The study has demonstrated poor diabetes-related KAP. The patient's level of education and income plays a major role in the management of diabetes.

RésuméIntroduction: L'un des défis auxquels est confrontée la gestion du diabète est l'idée fausse et les connaissances insuffisantes sur la maladie. Nous avons évalué le niveau de connaissances, d'attitudes et de pratiques liées au diabète chez les patients atteints de diabète dans le nord-ouest du Nigéria. Matériel et méthodes: Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale en milieu hospitalier. Au total, 400 participants ont été recrutés. Un questionnaire CAP a été utilisé pour évaluer le KAP des patients. L'hémoglobine glyquée a été utilisée pour mesurer le niveau de contrôle du glucose des participants à l'étude. Résultats: L'âge moyen des patients était de 51 ans, la majorité étant des femmes 233 (58,3%). Le score de connaissance moyen était de 6,2 ± 3,1 points (horssur 15), le score d'attitude moyen était de 2,5 ± 1,5 points (sur 5) et le score moyen de pratique était de 2,1 ± 1,3 points (sur 6). Le niveau de KAP s'est avérée être directement liée au contrôle glycémique (P <0,01). Le niveau d'éducation (odds ratio [OR]: 5,0 et intervalle de confiance à 95% [IC]: 0,196 à 0,452) et le revenu mensuel (OR: 4,4 et IC à 95%: 0,123 à 0,326) se sont avérés être des prédicteurs indépendants de la KAP liée au diabète. Conclusion: L'étude a démontré une faible CAP liée au diabète. Le niveau d'éducation et le revenu du patient jouent un rôle majeur dans la gestion du diabète.

African Cuisine-Centered Insulin Therapy: Expert Opinion on the Management of Hyperglycaemia in Adult Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

The prevalence of diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is growing rapidly, and a steadily increasing number of adults are estimated to be living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Insulin therapy is the treatment of choice in patients who present with severe hyperglycaemia and in most of those who do not achieve target goals on oral hypoglycaemic agents. Initiating treatment with the appropriate type of insulin based on the meal patterns and lifestyle of the individual patient is a strategy that is more likely than others to improve glycaemic control and adherence. African cuisine typically has a high carbohydrate load. Given these predominantly carbohydrate-rich food habits, it is essential to modify this dietary pattern whilst at the same time ensuring that insulin therapy is initiated, titrated and maintained in a timely manner, as needed to suit the patient's habits. To date, there are no published clinical guidelines to guide practitioners and patients on tailoring insulin to match the high carbohydrate content in African cuisine. To address this gap, we have reviewed current insulin therapy practices and propose a patient-centric guide to insulin therapy based on African cuisine. A literature search was conducted for studies published in English up to November 2019 that focused on the choice of insulin and its dosing in relation to African foods. All articles extracted were reviewed by an expert group. The recommendation of the expert group was that basal-bolus and premix insulin regimens are best suited to manage post-meal glycaemia in African cuisine. The timing and constituents of the meal, portion sizes, glycaemic load and glycaemic index of meals should be considered when choosing the type of insulin and insulin regimen. Assessment of individual preferences and comorbidities should be prioritised and form an integral part of diabetes management.

Diabetes Mellitus and its Risk Factors Among a Suburban Population of Northwestern Nigerians: A Community-Based Survey.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a serious public health problem, and its prevalence is increasing globally. However, there are scanty reports of the scope and burden of the disease among suburban populations of Nigeria. This study aims to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and to determine the associated risk factors of the disease among the suburban population of Northern Nigeria. Methodology: A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in which 1100 subjects were recruited using a multistage random cluster sampling technique. They were screened for diabetes by fasting plasma glucose (FPG) or casual plasma glucose (CPG) estimation. Individuals with FOG >7mmol//l or CPG >7.8mmol/l abnormal glucose levels had a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and HbA1c done. The prevalence of diabetes was computed with a 95% confidence interval. Result: The crude prevalence of diabetes from this study is 4.1% (95% CI = 3.3 - 4.9%) and standardized rate of 6.4%. Male gender OR 0.74, (95% CI = 0.569 - 1.982), age >40yrs OR 1.12 (95% CI = 0.851 - 1.463), physical inactivity OR 3.78 (95% CI = 2.881 - 12.726), Hypertension (SBP OR 10.28 (95% CI = 6.319- 29.369), (DBP OR 7.52 (95% CI = 3.928 - 36.914), and family history of DM OR 9.34 (95% CI = 3.890 - 23.481), showed significant independent association with diabetes. Conclusion: The prevalence of diabetes in the suburban population of Northwestern Nigeria is high and the associated risk factors include overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, family history of diabetes and age.

Diabetes Care During Hajj.

Diabetes mellitus affects over 463 million individuals worldwide. Religious activities such as the Hajj pilgrimage have a major impact on patients with diabetes mellitus, including increasing the risk of hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia. This increased risk is due to dietary changes and intense physical activity during pilgrimage while being on antidiabetic medications. Approximately 20% of the pilgrims with underlying illnesses who visit Mecca are diabetic, and complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, nonketotic hyperosmolar state, and fatigue/unconsciousness due to hypoglycaemia, have been observed among these patients. Diabetic patients are also at a high risk for foot complications and infections. To avoid any aggravation of the diabetes, a complete biochemical evaluation of the patient must be conducted before Hajj, and the patients must be provided contextualized educational guidance to avert these potential health challenges. This counselling should include the importance of carrying with them at all time their relevant medical history, summaries of the current treatment regimen and emergency snacks. In addition, to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia, the dosage of insulin should be reduced in selected patients by 20% and that of sulfonylurea should be reduced as needed. Basal insulin and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists are associated with fewer complications and can be preferentially prescribed. Those patients with type 1 diabetes can continue with the use of insulin pump with suitable education prior to Hajj. For the prevention of foot problems, the use of padded socks and well-fitting shoes is recommended along with an insistence on not walking barefoot. After Hajj, the patient must be followed up, and necessary investigations must be made along with readjustment of insulin dosage in those patients for whom it was reduced. Until the pandemic situation abates, all diabetic patients should avoid making the Hajj journey.

Initiation of basal bolus insulin therapy.

Most practice guidelines recommend the use of longacting or pre-mixed insulin at the initiation of insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes, especially in patients not achieving glycaemic goals. Nonetheless, there are some specific indications where basal bolus insulin is the preferred regimen for insulin initiation. These include the "5S" situations - 'Severe' hyperglycaemia, 'Symptomatic' diabetes, 'Sick' diabetes (acute or chronic comorbidity), 'Special' situations (pregnancy, childhood, adolescence) and 'Secondary' diabetes (pancreatic, drug-induced, endocrine disorders). This review describes a practical approach to initiation and follow up of basal bolus insulin regimens.

Plantains: Gluco-friendly usage.

Plantains are a staple food for a large proportion of the world's population. Rich sources of carbohydrates, they are considered taboo by most diabetes care providers. For persons living with diabetes, however, they are a preferred food item. This multi country authored article discusses the nutritional and culinary qualities of plantains. It discusses how to consume the fruit in a glucose-safe manner, by reducing the glycaemic load and total caloric load due to a low glycaemic index. Simple ways of modifying plantain preparation and serving are suggested, to help patients take this foodstuff without impacting glucose control.

Glucocrinology of Modern Sulfonylureas: Clinical Evidence and Practice-Based Opinion from an International Expert Group.

AIM: The primary objective of this document is to develop practice-based expert group opinion on certain important but less discussed endocrine and metabolic effects of modern sulfonylureas (SUs) and their usage in the management of diabetes mellitus (DM). BACKGROUND: Modern SUs may be considered a panacea in DM care with their beneficial extra-pancreatic, pleiotropic, and cardiovascular effects. Safe glycemic control with SUs could be achieved with appropriate patient selection, drug and dosage selection, and patient empowerment. Additionally, sulfonylureas also exhibit certain endocrine and metabolic effects, which could be considered beneficial in the management of DM. In this regard, a group of international clinical experts discussed the less known beneficial aspects of SUs and safe and smart prescription of modern SUs in DM care. RESULTS: The concept of glucocrinology or the relationship of glycemia with the endocrine system was emphasized during the meetings. Clinical experts arrived at a consensus for the usage of modern SUs in the presence of other endocrine dysfunction and the impact of these drugs on endocrine health. The beneficial pleiotropic and cardiovascular effects of modern SUs were also discussed. The key discussion points were considered to develop clinical expert opinions for the use of modern SUs in persons with DM. Clinical expert opinions were developed for indications, pleiotropic benefits, cardiovascular outcomes, adherence, and safe use of modern SUs. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate clinical judgement coupled with a patient-centered approach is crucial to achieve the best outcome in persons with DM. Owing to their safety, efficacy, extra-pancreatic benefits including effects on endocrine and metabolic aspects, and low cost of therapy, modern SUs could be considered as drugs/agents of choice for the treatment of diabetes. FUNDING: Sanofi India.

BE-SMART (Basal Early Strategies to Maximize HbA1c Reduction with Oral Therapy): Expert Opinion.

The past three decades have seen a quadruple rise in the number of people affected by diabetes mellitus worldwide, with the disease being the ninth major cause of mortality. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often remains undiagnosed for several years due to its asymptomatic nature during the initial stages. In India, 70% of diagnosed diabetes cases remain uncontrolled. Current guidelines endorse the initiation of insulin early in the course of the disease, specifically in patients with HbA1c > 10%, as the use of oral agents alone is unlikely to achieve glycemic targets. Early insulin initiation and optimization of glycemic control using insulin titration algorithms and patient empowerment can facilitate the effective management of uncontrolled diabetes. Early glucose control has sustained benefits in people with diabetes. However, insulin initiation, dose adjustment, and the need to repeatedly assess blood glucose levels are often perplexing for both physicians and patients, and there are misconceptions and concerns regarding its use. Hence, an early transition to insulin and ideal intensification of treatment may aid in delaying the onset of diabetes complications. This opinion statement was formulated by an expert panel on the basis of existing guidelines, clinical experience, and economic and cultural contexts. The statement stresses the timely and appropriate use of basal insulin in T2DM. It focuses on the seven vital Ts-treatment initiation, timing of administration, transportation and storage, technique of administration, targets for titration, tablets, and tools for monitoring.Funding: Sanofi.

Euthymia in Diabetes: Clinical Evidence and Practice-Based Opinion from an International Expert Group.

AIM: To develop an evidence-based expert group opinion on various types of euthymia associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) and its management. BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic syndrome characterized by diverse biomedical and psychosocial features. Emotional health disturbances may lead to psychological and psychiatric dysfunction and may negatively influence glycemic control. Patients with DM may experience diabetes distress (DD) associated with burden of self-care, interpersonal issues, and emotional worries regarding the ability to cope with the illness. Euthymia or a state of positive mental health and psychological well-being should be considered a key outcome of diabetes care. Therefore, to achieve optimal outcomes, the consideration and measurement of psychological and psychiatric aspects along with glycemic levels are very important. A group of multidisciplinary clinical experts came together in an international meeting held in India to develop a workable concept for euthymia in diabetes care. A multidisciplinary approach was suggested to enhance the clinical outcomes and facilitate patient-centered care. During the meeting emphasis was given to the concept of a euthymia model in diabetes care. This model focuses on enhancement of self-care skills in diabetic patients and preventative health awareness among diabetes care providers. Euthymia also encompasses patient-provider communication to aid enhancement of coping skills. RESULTS: After due discussions and extensive deliberations, the expert group provided several recommendations on implementing the concept of euthymia in DM care. CONCLUSIONS: Introduction of the concept of euthymia in routine clinical practice is important to improve the quality of life and coping skills in patients with DM. A timely clinical assessment of psychological and psychiatric aspects along with patient-reported outcomes of diabetes contributes to overall health and well-being of affected individuals. FUNDING: Sanofi India.

Pattern of Obesity Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes at a Tertiary Healthcare Center in Northern Nigeria.

PURPOSE: Type 2 diabetes poses a major global health threat both in the developed and developing countries. Factors responsible for the soaring epidemic of T2DM in the developing countries include urbanization, ageing population, physical inactivity and increasing obesity rates. Our aim was to determine the pattern of obesity among patients with T2DM at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, Northwestern Nigeria. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We consecutively recruited 220 patients with type 2 diabetes attending the diabetes clinic of AKTH for the study. Patients with Type 1 diabetes, patients who could not stand or are wheelchair bound and pregnant women were excluded from the study. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, treatment history for diabetes and history of hypertension from each participant. RESULTS: Of the 220 patients recruited for this study, 97(44.1%) were men, while 123(55.9%) were women. The prevalence of generalized obesity among the study participants was 27.4% (women -30.9% vs men- 22.7%, X2=4.76, p=0.190). Grades I. II and III obesity were found in 17.3%, 5.9% and 3.2% of the study participants, respectively. All the participants with grade III obesity were women. Central obesity defined by WC was detected in 111(50.5%) [20(20.6%) men and 91(73.9%) women, X2=1.93, p=0.001]. Obesity defined by WHR was recorded in 182(82.7%) participants [80(43.9%) men and 102(56.0%) women, X2= 1.97, 0.001]. Using a cut-off of ≥0.5, abnormal WhtR was detected in 179(81.4%) [72(40.2%) men and 107(59.8%) women, X2= 5.82, p=0.01], while using a cut-off of ≥0.6, abnormal WhtR was detected in 84(38.2%) participants [29 (34.5%) men and 55(65.5%) women, X2=6.38, p=0.09]. Hypertension was detected in 103(46.8%) participants, with a higher prevalence among women compared with men [46.3. % vs 47.4%, X2= 1.03 p=0.87]. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of obesity in our cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes was high. The predominant form of obesity was central obesity, which was most prevalent when indexed by WHR. The WhtR was as good as the WHR, but fared better than WC in detecting central obesity in our patients.

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

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.

Cost of Illness of Diabetic Foot Ulcer in a Resource Limited Setting: A Study from Northwestern Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic foot ulcer is a major complication of diabetes with a high economic cost of managing. Data from resource limited setting will bring to light how patients in these localities suffer financially in addition to poverty and lack of health insurance. This study estimated cost of illness among patients with diabetic foot ulcer in northwestern Nigeria. METHODS: It was a hospital based cross-sectional study. Questionnaire was used to take the bio data and medical history. Direct medical, direct non-medical and indirect cost were estimated. RESULT: Majority of the patients were males with the mean age of 59.3 ± 15.1 yrs. About 60% of the patients earn less than $100 monthly. The total cost of illness of diabetic foot ulcer was estimated at $140,735.56 (median = $1381.55[IQR 1002.42-]). Direct cost of illness was $107,797.06 (median = $1023.27[IQR 773.93-1568]), while the indirect cost was $32,938.49 (median = $209.90[IQR 128.74-357.08]). Out of pocket payment accounted for 90% of the payment. CONCLUSION: The cost of diabetic foot ulcer is very exorbitant and the patients affected are mostly poor, unemployed and the breadwinners of their families.

Metabolic syndrome among HIV infected patients: A comparative cross sectional study in northwestern Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing availability of antiretroviral drugs has made HIV-positive patients to live longer, and conditions that are associated with longevity such as metabolic syndrome and other cardiovascular related conditions have become relevant in them. This is less well studied among African populations. Therefore the study aimed at estimating and comparing the prevalence of and associated risk factors for the metabolic syndrome (MS) among African HIV infected patients. METHOD: In this comparative cross-sectional study, we analyzed the data of 300 participants matched for age and gender who satisfied the inclusion criteria with half of the subjects on HAART, while the other half was HAART naïve. The MS was diagnosed using ATP-III criteria. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 34.8±9.9years. The majority of the patients were females 64%. The prevalence of MS among HAART-exposed patients was found to be 19.3%, while it was 5.3% among HAART naïve patients (p=0.001). Raised triglyceride and elevated blood pressure were the criteria with the highest occurrence among HAART-exposed, 82.8% for each. Advanced age, longer duration of HIV diagnosis and HAART exposure, increased BMI, weight gain after HAART exposure, exposure to PIs and increased mean CD4 cell count were found to be significantly associated with MS (p<0.05). However, only age (OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.6-11.8, p=0.005) and BMI (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.5-11.9, p=0.007) were found to be independently associated with the development of MS. CONCLUSION: Exposure to HAART particularly protease inhibitor based regimen increases the risk of MS among HIV-infected patients.

Stroke in patients with diabetes mellitus: a study from North Western Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and apart from being exceedingly harmful in diabetics, stroke is a disabling disorder. The study was undertaken to describe the clinical characteristics, outcome pattern and predictors of mortality in a cohort of diabetic patients presenting with stroke in two tertiary health facilities in North Western Nigeria. METHOD: Out of all stroke patients seen from June 2007 to February 2011, persons with diabetes mellitus presenting with stroke in the emergency unit of the two tertiary hospitals in Kano were consecutively recruited for the study. Classification of stroke into hemorrhagic and infarctive subtypes was based on brain computerized tomography (CT), brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Follow-up period was for thirty days. RESULT: Out of the five hundred and thirty six stroke patients seen during the study period, 85 (15.9%) patients, comprising 48 (56.5%) males, had diabetes. Thirty eight (44.7%) of the identified diabetics were previously undiagnosed. Sixty four (75.3%) had infarctive stroke. One-month case fatality rate was 30.6%. Factors associated with death included male sex, past history of TIA, abnormal respiratory pattern, hemorrhagic stroke, aspiration pneumonitis, and worsening GCS. Aspiration pneumonitis and worsening GCS were independent predictors of one month mortality of stroke in the patients. CONCLUSION: In DM patients studied, infarctive stroke was more common, case fatality was 30.6%. Male gender, past history of TIA, abnormal respiratory pattern, hemorrhagic stroke, aspiration pneumonitis, and worsening Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) were associated with mortality. Aspiration pneumonitis and worsening GCS were independent predictors of one month mortality of stroke in diabetic patients.

Choice of antihypertensive medications among physicians and its impact on blood pressure control among Nigerians living with hypertension.

Background: Hypertension, if untreated or uncontrolled, leads to damage of vital organs such as the brain, heart and the kidneys among others. These complications have been shown to be severer in black Africans. Benefit of treatment has been repeatedly demonstrated by many studies. Therefore, many guidelines have been produced by relevant bodies in different countries in order to assist physicians in making the right choices for blood pressure (BP) control. Most of these bodies produce the guidelines based on the peculiarities of hypertension in their respective population. Several reports have shown how different hypertension is, in black Africans, still there is no published unified guideline for its treatment in this population. Methods: This was a survey of known hypertensives who were on follow up visit. Their prescriptions were assessed for drug name, class and number. Their blood pressures at that visit were also recorded. Prevalence of single therapy and combination therapy were determined. Compliance with the AHA recommended 2 ­ drug combination was determined. The percentage of BP control as well as the prescribed drugs in each group were also obtained. Results: Those on single agents were 13% out of which 52% were controlled. 87% were on various combination of 2 or more drugs of whom 41.9% of those on 2 drugs and 21.1% of those on more than 2 drugs had controlled BP. BP control in those on 2 drugs was better than in those with > 2 drugs, (p=0.0027). ACEI were the commonest used drug either as single agent (55.9%) or as 2 ­ drug combination as seen in 54.8% of the subjects on 2 ­ drug combination. 13 different 2 ­ drug combinations were identified with the best control in ARB + Diuretic, ACEI + Diuretic and CCB + Diuretic. The least control was observed in the ACEI + CCB group. Compliance with AHA recommendation was good but still 7.7% were under unacceptable group while another 7.7% were unclassified. Conclusion: ACE-Is are becoming the drugs of choice both as monotherapy and as combination therapy. Despite good compliance to AHA recommendation on drug combination, overall control is still a problem which calls for a revisit of these recommendations in Africans.