Cardiovascular Health and Disease Risk Status in Type II Diabetics

Often linked with several complications and comorbidities, studies have shown Diabetes mellitus (DM) as a common, chronic disease across the globe. This study was designed to explore the CVD risk factors among Type 2 DM patients in a tertiary hospital in South-East, Nigeria. Seventy two (72) participants [36 hyperglycaemics (Type II DM) and 36 normoglycaemics (control)] were drawn from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu State. Socio-demographic data, anthropometric parameters, percentage body fat and ankle-brachial indices were obtained. Other Variables such as age, height, weight, heart rate, body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratios (WHR) were recorded as well. The study found, using the one-way Analysis of variance (ANOVA), a significant difference (p < .05) in percentage body fat and heart rate between groups (hyperglycaemics and normoglycaemics). A gender-dependent significant difference was also observed in ankle-brachial index between normoglycaemics, with an accompanying insignificant difference for ankle-brachial index, BMI and WHR in both groups. Life style patterns with increased physical activity levels that will combat cardiovascular risks is highly recommended. The continuous monitoring of cardiovascular (Blood pressure, pulse rates) health indicators is also encouraged.