Despite an increasing burden of diabetes in Nigeria, access to early diagnosis and quality care has remained a challenge over the years. This study is aimed at highlighting the prevalence and pattern of diabetics in a tertiary healthcare facility in south-east Nigeria. This is a descriptive study of pattern of deaths among diabetics admitted to the Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, between January 2000 and August 2004. Out of 1124 diabetes patients seen in the period, 155 patients died and their data were collated and analysed. The mean age of the patients that died was 55±16 years (±1 SD) and more than half (53%) were males. The majority of them were married (85.0%) and were predominantly traders and farmers. Most were type 2 diabetic patients with a mean age of onset and duration of illness of 50±15 years and 6±5 years respectively. Hyperglycaemic emergencies, diabetic foot syndrome, and hypertension were the leading causes of death. The study emphasises the need to improve access to early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes in developing countries through health education and increased availability of diabetic services.

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