Background of the Study
Diabetes mellitus, a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels, has become a significant public health concern worldwide. In Nigeria, diabetes prevalence has been rising steadily, with estimates suggesting that the disease is becoming increasingly common in both urban and rural populations (Ajayi et al., 2024). One of the key factors influencing the development of diabetes is diet, particularly the consumption of high-calorie foods, excessive sugar intake, and poor dietary patterns, which contribute to insulin resistance and increased blood glucose levels (Chukwudi & Nwosu, 2023). Taraba State, located in northeastern Nigeria, faces significant challenges regarding health, including a rise in non-communicable diseases like diabetes, largely influenced by changes in dietary patterns, limited access to healthcare, and socio-economic factors.
In rural areas of Taraba, traditional diets have shifted toward processed foods high in fats, sugars, and refined carbohydrates, which increase the risk of obesity and diabetes (Ibrahim et al., 2024). Despite these changes, there is limited research on the relationship between diabetes prevalence and dietary habits in Taraba State, making it difficult to design region-specific interventions to address the growing burden of diabetes. Understanding the association between dietary habits and the prevalence of diabetes in the state could be vital for improving public health strategies and reducing the incidence of this chronic disease.
This study aims to examine the prevalence of diabetes in Taraba State, assess common dietary habits, and analyze the association between these habits and the development of diabetes.
Statement of the Problem
Diabetes is a significant and growing health issue in Nigeria, and Taraba State is no exception. However, the specific role that dietary habits play in the prevalence of diabetes in the state remains poorly understood. With the increasing adoption of unhealthy diets, particularly in urban centers, the risk of diabetes and related complications is likely to increase. There is a pressing need for a study to explore the prevalence of diabetes in Taraba State, its association with dietary habits, and the socio-demographic factors contributing to this condition. This will help inform public health policies and interventions aimed at controlling diabetes and improving dietary practices.
Objectives of the Study
1. To determine the prevalence of diabetes in Taraba State.
2. To assess the common dietary habits of individuals in Taraba State.
3. To evaluate the relationship between dietary habits and the prevalence of diabetes in Taraba State.
Research Questions
1. What is the prevalence of diabetes in Taraba State?
2. What are the common dietary habits observed in Taraba State?
3. How do dietary habits influence the prevalence of diabetes in Taraba State?
Research Hypotheses
1. The prevalence of diabetes is significantly high among individuals with unhealthy dietary habits in Taraba State.
2. A diet high in refined sugars and fats is positively associated with the prevalence of diabetes in Taraba State.
3. Socio-economic factors, such as income and education level, influence the dietary habits and diabetes prevalence in Taraba State.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on adults aged 18 years and above in both urban and rural areas of Taraba State. Data will be collected through surveys on dietary habits, medical histories, and diabetes diagnoses. Limitations include the potential for underreporting of dietary habits, difficulty accessing remote rural areas, and the challenge of distinguishing causality between diet and diabetes prevalence.
Definitions of Terms
• Diabetes Mellitus: A chronic metabolic condition characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose due to insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production.
• Dietary Habits: The regular consumption patterns of food and beverages, including meal frequency, food types, and portion sizes.
• Prevalence: The total number of cases of a disease in a population at a given time.
• Insulin Resistance: A condition in which the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
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