Cholesterol concentrations in diabetic patients in Nnewi, Nigeria

Twenty out-patient and twenty in-patient adult Nigerian type II diabetics and twenty healthy subjects matched for sex, age and weight, were studied at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria. Mean total cholesterol and fasting blood glucose concentrations were higher in the diabetics. The out-patients had significantly higher total cholesterol and fasting blood glucose values than their in-patient counterparts. The possible cardiovascular risk of the raised cholesterol level in the diabetics was discussed. We recommend that for effective management of diabetic patients, periodic measurement of cholesterol level is necessary. An integrated enlightenment programme to acquaint the out-patients with the health benefits of dietary and drug compliance and occasional hospitalisation for better monitoring would be desirable.