Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Prediabetes is a condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes. It serves as an important warning sign for the development of type 2 diabetes, as well as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to assess the prevalence of prediabetes among overweight and obese individuals, a critical step in developing targeted prevention strategies. Addressing prediabetes in this population is essential to reduce the future burden of diabetes and its complications. Method: This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of prediabetes among 96 overweight and obese individuals over six months. Participants aged 18+ with a BMI of 25 or higher were included, while those with known diabetes or pregnancy were excluded. Data collection involved demographic details, BMI, HbA1c, and fasting glucose levels to assess metabolic status. Results: 77.1% of the participants were classified as prediabetic, with 59.4% of the total sample being morbidly obese. Visceral fat, body fat percentage, fat mass, and skeletal muscle mass significantly increased with higher BMI, particularly in the morbidly obese group (P-value = 0.0001). Younger participants, especially females, were more likely to be prediabetic, while all diabetic participants were male. Conclusion: This study underscores the strong link between morbid obesity and prediabetes, especially in young females, while diabetes is more common in obese males. Early interventions targeting weight reduction and improved insulin sensitivity are essential to prevent the progression from prediabetes to diabetes.
Authors: Zaynab Oday Hasheem, Waleed Ibraheem Ali
Institutions: Ministry of Health, University of Baghdad
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4406254905