Prevalence of impaired glucose regulation in asymptomatic Kuwaiti young adults

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of impaired glucose regulation in a young, asymptomatic Kuwaiti population. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 484 Kuwaitis (females: 311, and males: 173, aged 17-24 years), students at a public college for basic education, was conducted. Each participant underwent a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test, and biochemical testing for hemoglobin A 1c (HbA 1c), total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Physical examinations were performed to measure body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and blood pressure. Results: The prevalence of impaired glucose regulation (impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, and elevated HbA 1c levels) was 32%, including 4% with newly diagnosed diabetes. Of the 484 participants, 47 (10%) of the population had hypertension and 52 (11%) had dyslipidemia. A total of 244 (50%) were classified as overweight/obese (BMI >25 kg/m 2) and 201 (42%) had an elevated waist circumference (≥88 cm in females; ≥102 cm in males). Impaired glucose regulation was significantly related to increased waist circumference (p = 0.021) but not to increased BMI (p = 0.181). Those with impaired glucose regulation also had a higher prevalence of hypertension (p = 0.05), particularly systolic hypertension (p = 0.023). Conclusion: Kuwaiti youth have a high prevalence of impaired glucose regulation and overweight/obesity. Waist circumference, rather than BMI, may be a more appropriate screening tool to predict impaired glucose regulation in Kuwaiti youth. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.