Diabetes mellitus in primary and secondary schools in Africa: an exploratory review

ABSTRACT Introduction The prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is currently reported to be on the increase in the school environment among teachers and students in Africa. This review highlighted the current state of DM in primary and secondary schools in Africa. Methods The review assessed critical literature on African Journals Online, Google Scholar search, PubMed, Medline, and Science Direct as well as information available about DM in the Africa continent. Relevant search terms included prevalence of DM in primary schools, the prevalence of DM in secondary schools, prevalence of DM among teachers and students, knowledge of DM among teachers and students, risk factors of DM among teachers and students in Africa. Results The review highlighted the prevalence of T2DM among teachers, while prediabetes and T1DM were reported among students. Furthermore, only two studies were identified to assessing knowledge of DM among teachers while few studies reported poor knowledge of DM among students. Conclusion The issue of DM in both primary and secondary schools should be given the needed attention by the concerned stakeholders. This is because of the possible escalation of T1DM and T2DM within the school environment in Africa in the nearest future.