Dear Sir,

Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of adiposity [1]. A raised BMI is a risk factor for several diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus [2, 3]. Generally, prevalence and complications of diabetes is more pronounced in females than males as result of gender associated obesity. Our multi-disciplinary research group is involved in assessment and study of diseases and associated issues of public health concern in South western Nigeria. In this study, the occurrence of diabetes in a sub urban Nigerian Community and its relationship with BMI and random blood glucose (RBG) was assessed.

One hundred forty apparently healthy individuals aged between 20 and 70 years were recruited. Thirty-four percent males and 66 % females participated in the community health programme.

The BMI for each subject was calculated and RBG estimated using standard formula and method respectively. The relationship between BMI and RBG and age were statistically analyzed and determined using Pearson’s correlatio ...