Diet Quality and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Among Adults in a Tertiary Hospital in Katsina State

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a rapidly expanding non-communicable disease in Nigeria, with dietary patterns identified as a key modifiable risk factor. This study assesses diet quality and its association with the risk of type 2 diabetes among adults aged 30 to 65 years attending Turai Umaru Musa Yar'adua Memorial Hospital in Katsina State, North West Nigeria. The rising prevalence of sedentary behaviour, consumption of refined carbohydrates, and sugar-sweetened beverages in this state contributes to an escalating diabetes burden. A hospital-based cross-sectional design was employed, with 200 adults recruited from the outpatient diabetes and general medicine clinics. Patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes, or other specific diabetes types were excluded. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index adapted for the Nigerian diet, with data obtained through a quantified 24-hour dietary recall and food frequency questionnaire. Fasting blood glucose, body mass index, waist circumference, and blood pressure were measured. Findings are expected to show poor overall diet quality characterised by high refined carbohydrate and low fibre intake, with a significant association between poor diet quality scores and elevated glycaemic markers. The study provides evidence to support the integration of dietary assessment into routine diabetic screening in Katsina. Keywords: diet quality, type 2 diabetes, dietary assessment, Katsina, non-communicable disease.