This study investigated prevalence of diabetes and knowledge of risk factors among relatives of diabetic patients in Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. After receiving Ethical approval and informed consent, structured questionnaire was administered to relatives of diabetic patients in male medical ward of the hospital. Measurement of fasting blood glucose (FBG) was also done following standard procedures. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. 13 (10.8%) had FBG at diabetes level. 7.8-12.1mg/dl. On knowledge of diabetes risk factors, 77 (64.1%) knew that family history is a risk factor, 84(70%) identified overweight, 80 (66.6%) knew of sedentary lifestyles, 100 (83.3%) identified high blood pressure and 86 (71.6%) knew unhealthy eating as a risk factor for diabetes. In conclusion, knowledge of diabetes risk factors was high and prevalence of diabetes was higher among male than female. The study recommends advocacy targeted at relatives of patients to encourage lifestyle modifications may help reduce prevalence of diabetes
Keywords: Diabetes, Knowledge, Prevalence, Risk Factors, patients’ relatives
