Dietary Practices of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Nigeria: The Case of Lagos State

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is rapidly becoming a significant public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, largely propelled by dietary and lifestyle shifts associated with urbanization. Although dietary management is crucial for glycemic control, there is limited data concerning the dietary and physical activity behaviors of Nigerian patients with T2DM. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the dietary practices, physical activity levels, and diabetes-related risk profiles among adult T2DM outpatients attending Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was employed, involving 56 adult T2DM outpatients. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-hour recall method and subsequently analyzed with the West African Food Composition Table. Physical activity was quantified via a seven-item occupational activity questionnaire, and principal component analysis was utilized to identify key dimensions of activity. The relationships among dietary intake, physical activity, and body mass index were investigated using multiple linear and logistic regression models. Results: The participant cohort was predominantly categorized as overweight or obese (mean BMI 28.3 ± 4.3 kg/m²), with 39% also presenting with hypertension. The mean daily energy intake (1883 ± 878 kcal) significantly surpassed recommended levels, characterized by a high consumption of refined carbohydrates and inadequate fiber intake. PCA identified two prominent factors—physical positioning and perceived exertion—which collectively accounted for 58% of the variance in activity. Suboptimal workplace positioning demonstrated a significant association with elevated BMI among women (? = 3.43; 95 % CI 1.71–5.47; p < 0.001), while age exhibited a non-significant inverse trend. Conclusions: Elevated caloric consumption and limited physical activity represent significant modifiable determinants of obesity among urban Nigerians diagnosed with T2DM. The implementation of culturally appropriate nutritional and physical activity interventions holds the potential to enhance metabolic outcomes within analogous resource-constrained environments.