INCIDENCE, PREVALENCE AND KNOWLEDGE OF TYPE II DIABETES MELLITUS AMONG ADULT PATIENTS ABOVE 45 YEARS IN BOMET COUNTY.

INTRODUCTION: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is an increasing health problem worldwide and in sub-Saharan Africa, where many cases remain undiagnosed until complications arise. Millions of adults are living with diabetes and many of them are unaware of their condition. Risk increases with age, which makes adults above 45 years an important group in hospital diabetes clinics such as Longisa County Referral Hospital in Bomet County.OBJECTIVE: This review used existing evidence on the incidence, prevalence and level of knowledge of type 2 diabetes mellitus among adult patients above 45 years attending specifically Longisa County Referral Hospital. METHODOLOGY: This systematic review was guided by the PRISMA 2020 framework. PubMed/PMC, Google and African Journals Online were referred for studies published between January 2010 and October 2026. The studies were checked for the eligibility criteria, data extracted with a structured form, quality appraised for cross-sectional studies, and findings synthesised. Results: Fifteen studies were able to meet the inclusion criteria. No study reported the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Kenya or at Longisa County Referral Hospital, and none reported prevalence specifically for patients above 45 years at Longisa. National data showed an age-related diabetes prevalence, with odds of diabetes higher at 60–69 years than in younger adults. Knowledge of diabetes was generally poor; few community members had good knowledge. At Longisa, access to services and equipment, cost of glucometers and the need for continuous health education were the major concerns. Conclusion: Evidence on the burden and knowledge of type 2 diabetes mellitus among adults above 45 years at Longisa County Referral Hospital is slim. Facility-based incidence and prevalence studies and knowledge assessment are needed to guide diabetes screening, patient education and care in Bomet County.