Abstract

Diabetes-related infectious morbidity in Nigeria is a significant public health concern influenced by several 
socioeconomic factors, including urbanization, poverty, inadequate healthcare access, poor sanitation, and dietary 
transitions. This review explores the impact of these determinants on the vulnerability of diabetic individuals to 
infections, particularly in resource-limited settings like Nigeria. Urbanization, while associated with improved 
healthcare facilities in some areas, also brings challenges such as overcrowded living conditions, poor sanitation, and 
unhealthy dietary changes, which exacerbate infection risks for diabetics. Poverty further compounds these issues 
by limiting access to essential diabetes management resources, while poor sanitation contributes to the spread of 
infectious diseases that disproportionately affect diabetic individuals. Rural areas face even more severe disparities 
in healthcare access and sanitation, leading to higher rates of infection and worse outcomes. The review calls for 
comprehensive public health strategies, including improved healthcare infrastructure, public education on diabetes 
management and infection prevention, and targeted interventions to address the socioeconomic challenges faced by 
diabetic individuals in Nigeria.