Incidence of Prediabetes and its Development Risk Factors among Bachelor Students at Kampala International University's Western Campus in Uganda

Abstract

Prediabetes marks blood glucose levels above normal yet below the diabetes threshold. Its prevalence is escalating worldwide, with projections estimating over 470 million affected individuals by 2030. Notably, there is a dearth of studies offering insight into prediabetes prevalence among university students in Uganda. This research was designed to assess prediabetes prevalence and associated risk factors among apparently healthy Kampala International University Western Campus (KIU-WC) bachelor students. Employing a prospective cross-sectional study design, the investigation involved structured selfadministered questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and blood biochemistry, targeting registered university students of all ages at KIU-WC. Sample size calculations were based on a formula, with BMI for age and sex referenced against Agarwal charts. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were classified per ADA criteria. A total of 121 students (61.2% male, 38.8% female) aged 15-35 participated. Results indicated a significant prediabetes prevalence of 19.8%. Notably, prediabetes rates varied among distinct age groups, particularly higher among middle-aged or young adults (18-25 years). The study underscores lifestyle modifications as pivotal in preventing or delaying prediabetes progression to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Moreover, it highlights the necessity for further comprehensive prospective studies with larger sample sizes and adequate funding to precisely quantify prediabetes burden, its risk factors, complications, preventive measures, and validate the epidemiological findings observed in this investigation. Keywords: Diabetes, Prediabetes, Lifestyle modification, Hypertension, Obesity.