Presence of diabetic risk factors within a sample of community members in Windhoek, Namibia

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) continue to pose a significant challenge to global healthcare systems. In African contexts, diabetes ranks among the top four NCDs. The disease often goes undetected because patients are commonly asymptomatic in the early stages. Screening, early diagnosis and patient education may prolong life and reduce costs associated with managing the disease. Aim: To identify risk factors for diabetes among community members in Windhoek. Setting: Data were gathered during a health-screening outreach programme in Otjomuise, a peri-urban settlement near Windhoek, Namibia. Methods: An observational analytical cross-sectional study design was used, measuring weight, height, abdominal girth, random blood glucose (RBG) levels, lipid counts, and blood pressure in 342 participants. Descriptive analysis determined the percentage of participants with abnormal measurements indicating diabetes risk. Results: Analysis showed that 77% of participants had multiple risk factors for diabetes. Specifically, 67% had elevated RBG levels, 58% had elevated blood pressure, 45% had elevated body mass index, and 26% had raised lipid counts. Conclusion: These findings align with existing literature, which shows a significant portion of community members have undetected risk factors that may predispose them to the development of diabetes. Early detection, targeted interventions and ongoing monitoring for individuals with risk factors can save lives and reduce costs. Larger-scale research is necessary to better quantify the prediabetic population across various African contexts. Contribution: This study highlights the urgent need for early diabetes detection and intervention strategies in diverse African communities.