The Relationship of Risk Factors to Incidence Prediabetes Young Age Groups

Abstract

Prediabetes is increasingly prevalent among young adults, presenting a critical opportunity for early intervention to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes and associated cardiovascular complications. This study investigates the association between selected lifestyle-related risk factors and prediabetes incidence among undergraduate medical students. A total of 50 students from Diponegoro University (cohorts 2021 and 2022) were enrolled through purposive and random sampling methods. Clinical assessments included fasting blood glucose and 2-hour oral glucose tolerance tests, analyzed using the hexokinase method. Data on obesity (body mass index), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form), and family history of diabetes were collected through validated instruments. The prevalence of prediabetes was significantly higher among students with obesity (p < 0.001), poor sleep quality (p = 0.048), low physical activity (p = 0.005), and a family history of diabetes (p = 0.006). Multivariate analysis identified obesity as the most influential independent predictor (OR 7.30, 95% CI: 1.61–33.20, p = 0.010). These findings highlight the urgent need for preventive strategies targeting modifiable risk factors in young populations. Interventions focusing on healthy weight management, regular physical activity, and sleep hygiene may play a pivotal role in mitigating early metabolic risk Keywords: Prediabetes, Young Adults, Sleep Quality, Physical Activity, Medical Students