Causes And Effects Of Diabetes Mellitus Among The Elderly

1.3 Objectives Of The Study

The overall aim of this study is to examine the causes and effects of diabetes mellitus among the elderly in Nigeria. Hence, the study will be channeled to the following specific objectives;

1. Find out the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among the old populace in Nigeria. 

2. Ascertain the causes of diabetes mellitus among the old populace in Nigeria. 

3. Determine the effect of  diabetes mellitus among the old populace in Nigeria. 

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among the old populace in Nigeria?

2. What are the causes of diabetes mellitus among the old populace in Nigeria?

3. What are the effect of  diabetes mellitus among the old populace in Nigeria?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

Ho: Diabetes mellitus has no negative effect on the elderly populace in Nigeria.

Ha: Diabetes mellitus has a negative effect on the elderly populace in Nigeria.

1.6     Significance of the Study

The incidence and prevalence of DM has continued to increase globally, despite a great deal of research, with the resulting burden resting more heavily on tropical, developing countries like Nigeria. There has been a progressive increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Nigeria and the burden is expected to increase even further. This increase can be felt within our locality as the number of diabetic patients presenting at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owerri, in the last couple of years has increased. More often than not, a good number of these diabetic patients seen at the General Outpatient Clinic (GOPC) of the FMC Owerri, present with co-morbidities of various kinds as well as varying degrees of complications notable amongst which are diabetic foot ulcers, diabetic nephropathy, erectile dysfunction and diabetic neuropathy. These complications contribute a significant percentage of death due to medical illnesses in the hospital. A good number of these patients do not even know that they are diabetic and this increases their vulnerability to varied forms of both short and long term complications, which often lead to their premature death. This vulnerability to increased morbidity and mortality is seen mostly in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus because of its insidious onset and late recognition, especially in resource-poor developing countries like Nigeria; as well as the fact that it is the more prevalent type of diabetes.

DM is a chronic disease necessitating life-long therapy, usually with drugs; and its attendant complication significantly reduces the quality of life of affected individual. This creates a life-long financial burden on the family and places an enormous strain on existing healthcare facilities. As it is recognised that the onset of the disease and its complications predate the symptoms, it is expedient that screening procedures are undertaken to diagnose the disease in the individual as early as possible to minimise the risk of complications. Furthermore, a sizeable number of these complications are preventable as strategies aimed at reducing these events include lifestyle modifications, vigilant glycemic control and aggressive secondary prevention which are within the domain of the family physician.

This type of study has not been carried out in Owerri and its environs thus; there is paucity of knowledge of the disease burden. It is pertinent therefore to embark on this study, in the face of the rapid urbanization and increasing “westernized” lifestyle in the city of Owerri in recent time. It is hoped that this study will examine the causes and effects of diabetes mellitus among the elderly, thereby improving awareness and knowledge of the disease burden as well as planning of appropriate management strategies.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The scope of this study boarders on the causes and effects of diabetes mellitus among the elderly. Geographically, this study will be carried out in Asaba, Delta State. Hence, the respondents for this study will be obtained from diabetics patients in FMC Asaba.

1.8 Limitation of the Study

Like in every human endeavour, the researcher encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size. More so, the researcher simultaneously engaged in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

Moreover, the case study method utilized in the study posed some challenges to the investigator including the possibility of biases and poor judgment of issues. However, the investigator relied on respect for the general principles of procedures, justice, fairness, objectivity in observation and recording, and weighing of evidence to overcome the challenges.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Diabetes: This is also known as diabetes mellitus. It is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose (or blood sugar), which leads over time to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves.

1.10 Organization Of The Study

This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows. Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study. Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature. Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.  Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study.