Diabetes and prediabetes prevalence through a community-based screening initiative in Alqunfudah, Saudi Arabia

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus among traumatic patients admitted to Aseer Central Hospital, Aseer Region, Abha, Saudi Arabia: cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Traumatic injuries among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are associated with extended hospital stays and higher mortality rates.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of DM among traumatic patients admitted to Aseer Central Hospital, Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional design was conducted among trauma casualties aged 18 years and older admitted to the Trauma Center of Asser Central Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia, for six months from July 1 to December 31, 2024. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire covered various aspects, including demographic information, smoking status, presence of chronic diseases, previous diabetes diagnoses, details of any accidents, diabetes diagnosis during the accident, and self-care practices.

RESULTS

Three hundred and eleven trauma casualties were included with a mean age of 46.7 ± 12.9. Of them, 60.8% were men. The study found that the prevalence of diabetes among trauma casualties was 8.7%, with 48.2% incidentally discovered during the current trauma. Among diagnosed patients, 33.3% had glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels between 7.51-8.5%, 11.1% between 8.51-9.5%, and 22.2% exceeded 9.5%. The predictors of diabetes diagnosis included smoking (OR = 6.39, 95% CI = 2.08-19.63), lower levels of education levels (OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.58-0.96), and a positive family history (OR = 24.9, CI = 7.96-78.36).

CONCLUSIONS

The study found an 8.7% prevalence of diabetes among trauma casualties, with nearly half discovered during the event. Factors like smoking, education, and family history of diabetes were associated with diagnosis. Routine diabetes screening is crucial for early detection and management. Targeted interventions, such as multidisciplinary care teams and telemedicine, can improve diabetes management. Further research is needed to address cultural and socioeconomic factors.

Assessing knowledge, attitude, and dietary practice in association with prediabetes risk using objective clinical markers among Saudi adult population: A cross-sectional study

A major risk for developing diabetes is prediabetes (Pre-DM). Assessing knowledge, attitude, and dietary practice (KAP) regarding Pre-DM plays a crucial role in decreasing complications. Limited previous studies on KAP among prediabetic patients exist. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Pre-DM using the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c%) indicator as well as the degree of awareness among Saudi participants in Jeddah about Pre-DM KAP across their body mass index (BMI) categories. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2 large public malls, targeting 310 Saudi adults aged 30 to 55 who had no prior diagnosis of diabetes or any chronic disease. A valid questionnaire was used to assess prediabetic KAP. Data were collected through anthropometric measurements, including BMI, fat%, trunk%, and waist to hip ratio. Random blood glucose and HbA1c% were also measured to diagnose Pre-DM. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). In the final analysis, 290 participants were included. Pre-DM was found in 23.1% of participants, diabetes in 3.4%, and 73.4% were normal. Obesity was observed to be strongly associated with Pre-DM compared to a normal BMI (P = .04). Out of the participants, 44.8% had poor knowledge of Pre-DM, and 44.2% of them were overweight. Additionally, 49.8% of the total sample had a neutral attitude, with 55.7% being obese. 53.4% of the total sample reported good practice, with 33% of them being obese. Furthermore, it was found that BMI was significantly associated with knowledge (P = .025) but not with attitude or practice (P > .005). KAP results demonstrated average knowledge with a trend towards poor level, neutral attitudes, and good practice in Pre-DM among the studied Saudis sample. Interestingly, BMI was only correlated to knowledge, but not with practice or attitude, suggesting that raising public awareness is essential to improving Pre-DM prevention. Longitudinal studies with a larger sample size are warranted to better establish causality between knowledge, attitude, and dietary practices.

Assessment of self-efficacy, quality of life, and well-being of patients with diabetes mellitus in Alqunfudah, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) often experience psychological challenges, such as feelings of loss of control, self-care stress, and fear of complications. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of uncontrolled DM, self-efficacy, quality of life (QoL), and well-being among patients with DM in Alqunfudah, Saudi Arabia, and to investigate the associations between these factors and diabetes control.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study employing an online questionnaire was conducted among adults with DM. The questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, diabetes-related history, and glycemic control based on glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level. Self-efficacy was evaluated using the validated Arabic version of the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease 6-Item Scale, and the Arabic version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version was utilized to assess QoL. Well-being was measured using the Arabic version of the World Health Organization-Five Well-being Index (WHO-5).

RESULTS

Four hundred patients with diabetes were included with a mean age of 49.3 ± 14.6 years, 40.8% were males, and 49.25% had uncontrolled DM. Compared to the controlled group, the uncontrolled group had a lower percentage of patients living in urban areas (16.8% vs. 25.6%, p = 0.037), a larger proportion of participants having DM for > 10 years (42.6% vs. 26.6%, p < 0.001), lower median (interquartile [IQR]) self-efficacy score [39.0 (30.0-46.0) vs. 47.0 (34.0-54.0), p < 0.001], lower physical QoL [75.0(60.7-85.7) vs. 67.8 (50.0-82.1), p < 0.001], and lower environmental QoL [(78.1(62.5-87.5) vs. 68.7(59.3-84.3), p = 0.005]. Predictors of glycemic control included the physical domain of QoL [adjusted odd ratio (aOR) = 1.02 (95% CI: 1.01-1.03), p < 0.001] duration of DM for 1-2 years [aOR = 2.53 (95% CI: 1.08-5.91), p= 0.032], 3-5 years [aOR = 3.76 (95% CI: 1.90-7.43), p< 0.001 ], and 6-10 years [aOR = 1.85 (95% CI: 1.04-3.32), p = 0.036], and urban residence [aOR = 1.88 (95% CI: 1.11-3.18), p = 0.017].

CONCLUSIONS

A large sector of patients with diabetes had uncontrolled blood sugar with greater affection of QoL and self-efficacy compared to the controlled group. Physical QoL, duration of DM, and residence were the key factors to be targeted for improved diabetes management.

The association between triglyceride-glucose index and related parameters and risk of tuberculosis infection in American adults under different glucose metabolic states: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are known to influence each other, with insulin resistance playing a pivotal role. The relationship between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and its derived indices with the incidence of TB infection across varying glucose metabolic statuses is not well defined.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study utilized data from the 2011-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Weighted multivariable regression analysis was employed to explore the correlation between TyG and associated parameters with the incidence of TB infection within different categories of glucose metabolism. Interaction analyses and restricted cubic splines were utilized to assess potential heterogeneity in these associations and to explore the link between TyG and its derivatives with the occurrence of TB infection.

RESULTS

The study included 4823 participants, of which 668 had TB infection. In individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), the TyG index (OR 2.17, 95%CI 1.40-3.35), TyG-WC (OR 1.01, 95%CI 1.00-1.01), and TyG-BMI (OR 1.02, 95%CI 1.00-1.04) were correlated with TB infection (all P < 0.05). Among participants with impaired fasting glucose (IFG), TyG (OR 57.10, 95%CI 1.17-278.66), TyG-WC (OR 1.02, 95%CI 1.00-1.05), TyG-WHtR (OR 872.94, 95%CI 43.31-17592.72) were significant associated with TB infection (all P < 0.05). However, in those with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and DM, TyG and its related parameters did not show an association with TB infection (P > 0.05). The sensitive analysis, converting the TyG index from a continuous variable to a categorical variable (quartiles), revealed an association between the TyG index and an increase risk of TB infection in the NGT and IGT group (quartile 4: OR 2.45 (1.31-4.60) and 761.33 (10.54-54999.02), respectively). No significant association between the TyG index and TB infection was observed in DM and IFG groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In participants with NGT and IFG, the levels of the TyG index and its associated parameters were correlated with TB infection. A higher TyG index was independently linked to an increased likelihood of TB infection in individuals with NGT and IGT, but not in DM and IFG.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal manifestations among diabetic patients in the Aseer region: A cross-sectional study

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has a systemic consequence, influencing many systems of the body, including metabolic functions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal complications among patients with type 2 DM in the Asser region of Saudi Arabia, identify sources of information, and investigate the association of these symptoms with disease duration and glycated hemoglobin. This cross-sectional study was conducted between November 13 and December 27, 2023. The questionnaire collected demographic data including age, sex, education, employment, income, and nationality, and 16 questions (5 points for each symptom) about the frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms in the past 3 months. The total score was 80, participants were categorized based on their total scores into 2 groups: those scoring 40 or below, and those scoring above 40. A total of 230 patients were included in this study, their median age was 32.0 (24.00) years, 60% were men, 63.9% were married, 38.7% earned between 5000 and 10,000 Saudi Riyal/month, 85.2% did not work in the medical field, 39.1% held university degrees, 54.8% did not have health insurance, 70.4% did not smoke, 35.7% worked in government jobs, 63% lived in urban areas, 95.2% were Saudi and 53.5% had only DM. More than half of the respondents, 57.4%, relied on doctors for information about DM. Dysmotility symptoms were common: dyspepsia affected 26.5% often and 5.7% always; early satiety impacted 24.3% often and 5.2% always; and bloating affected 28.3% often and 10.9% always. Constipation/diarrhea were a common complaint, with 23.5% of patients experiencing them often and an additional 4.8% reporting it always. Stool consistency also varied widely, with 21.7% experiencing lumpy or hardened stool. Health insurance status and having chronic diseases showed significant association with the severity of symptoms. Duration of diabetes and glycated hemoglobin were associated with the frequency of the symptoms. Gastrointestinal symptoms are common among diabetic patients in Aseer. The frequency of symptoms is associated with glycemic control, duration of diabetes, and health insurance status. These findings highlight the need for improved management and support for better gastrointestinal health in diabetes.

Prediction of Diabetes and Prediabetes among the Saudi Population Using a Non-Invasive Tool (AUSDRISK)

Background and Objectives: Screening for type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) aims to identify asymptomatic individuals who may be at a higher risk, allowing proactive interventions. The objective of this study was to predict the incidence of DM2 and prediabetes in the Saudi population over the next five years. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Aseer region through August 2023 using a cross-sectional survey for data collection. A multistage stratified random sampling technique was adopted, and data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the validated Arabic version of the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK). Results: In total, 652 individuals were included in the study. Their mean age was 32.0 ± 12.0 years; 53.8% were male, 89.6% were from urban areas, and 55.8% were single. There were statistically significant differences between males and females in AUSDRISK items, including age, history of high blood glucose, use of medications for high blood pressure, smoking, physical activity, and measurements of waist circumference (p < 0.05). Based on AUSDRISK scores, 46.2% of the included participants were predicted to develop impaired glucose tolerance within the coming five years (65.8% among females vs. 23.6%), and 21.9% were predicted to develop DM2 (35.6% among males vs. 6.0% among females); this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: Urgent public health action is required to prevent the increasing epidemic of DM2 in Saudi Arabia.