Blood Glucose Levels and Dietary Patterns Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients at a General Hospital in Sokoto State

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a growing public health challenge across Nigeria, and the relationship between dietary patterns and glycaemic control in patients in the North West zone is inadequately characterised in the current literature. This study examines fasting blood glucose levels and their correlation with dietary patterns among type 2 diabetes patients attending the Specialist Hospital Sokoto. One hundred and thirty-five confirmed type 2 diabetes patients were recruited over a three-month period. Fasting venous blood samples were collected and serum glucose quantified by the glucose oxidase method using a Randox diagnostic kit. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire adapted for northern Nigerian food patterns, capturing frequency of consumption of staple foods, fruits, vegetables, refined carbohydrates, and sugar-sweetened beverages. Nutritional analysis of dietary data was performed using the Nutrisurvey software. Results show that sixty-three percent of patients had poorly controlled fasting glucose above 7.0 millimoles per litre despite medication. High frequency consumption of refined carbohydrates including tuwo shinkafa, white rice, and sugary beverages correlated significantly and positively with fasting glucose levels. Fruit and vegetable consumption frequency showed a significant inverse correlation with glucose levels. Body mass index was also a significant predictor of glycaemic control in this cohort. The study highlights the critical role of dietary modification in diabetes management in Sokoto State and recommends structured nutrition counselling in diabetes clinics. Keywords: type 2 diabetes, blood glucose, dietary patterns, Sokoto State, glycaemic control.