Pre-diabetes and diabetes among young first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes: prevalence and associated factors in a cross-sectional study in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background Type 2 diabetes is a pandemic following an exponential rise in the number of cases. Current trends indicate that younger individuals have a threefold increased risk for diabetes in first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes. The prevalence and associated factors for dysglycaemia (pre-diabetes and diabetes) among first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes aged ≤40 years are unknown in Tanzania. Objective To determine the prevalence of dysglycaemia and associated factors among young first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting This study was conducted in four diabetes clinics in Dar-es-Salaam (Muhimbili National Hospital) and referral hospitals at Temeke, Amana and Mwananyamala. Participants This study recruited first-degree relatives (offspring; aged 18–40 years) of patients with type 2 diabetes. Main outcome measures Dysglycaemia (pre-diabetes and diabetes) and associated factors among young first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes. Methodology Data collected included socio-demographics, clinical characteristics and risk factors for dysglycaemia using a structured questionnaire. Dysglycaemia was defined by either a fasting blood glucose reading of ≥5.6 mmol/L or random blood glucose of ≥7.8 mmol/L 2 hours after 75 g glucose ingestion. Associations between dysglycaemia and different risk factors were analysed using a modified Poisson regression analysis model. Results 540 first-degree relatives of 540 patients with diabetes were recruited, of which 203 (37.6%) had dysglycaemia, 21 (3.9%) had diabetes and 182 (33.6%) had pre-diabetes. Risk factors for dysglycaemia were age ≥35 years (adjusted relative risk (aRR) 1.75, 95% CI 1.19 to 2.59), lack of physical activity (aRR 1.39, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.90) and obesity (aRR 1.77, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.34). Conclusion The prevalence of dysglycaemia among young first-degree relatives of patients with diabetes is high. Regular glucose screening coupled with physical activity will help reduce the level of obesity and dysglycaemia and will curb this pandemic in this young population at risk for other non-communicable diseases.
Source: BMJ Open
Authors: Herieth F Hyera, Patricia Munseri
Institution: Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,839
OpenAlex ID: W7221169165