Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Risk Factors Among Male and Female Adults 50 Years and Above of Outpatients in Ekiti State, Nigeria

This study assessed the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and its risk factors among adults aged 50 years and above attending Ekiti State Specialist Hospital in Ikere-Ekiti, Nigeria. A descriptive survey was conducted on 115 T2DM outpatients between July and August 2019. Results showed females comprised 62.6% (n=72) and males 37.4% (n=43) with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.67. The age group 51-55 years was most affected (26.1%), followed by 76 years and above (25.2%). Key risk factors identified were hereditary predisposition, sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition, nature of occupation, and low socioeconomic status. The study reveals that female adults are significantly more vulnerable to T2DM than males in this population, with implications for targeted public health interventions.