Study of Diabetes and its risk factors among adults enrolled in a Nationwide Screening Campaign

Abstract

Background: With the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in lowto middle-income countries, the strain on individuals and healthcare systems is increasing. Employing diabetes risk assessment tools can aid in identifying at-risk individuals, enabling early prevention or detection of diabetes. With the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in lowto middle-income countries, the strain on individuals and healthcare systems is increasing. Employing diabetes risk assessment tools can aid in identifying at-risk individuals, enabling early prevention or detection of diabetes. Aim: The study focuses on estimating the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes, and to identify the risk factors for undiagnosed diabetes among Mongolian adults. Materials and Methods: The data were collected (from May 1, 2022, to April 1, 2023) from a nation-wide screening campaign (adults, ≥18 years) that involved individuals with diabetes. Anthropometric measurement, diabetes risk score and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) samples were taken as part of the survey. Results: 187615 participants (64.1% of females with a mean age of 49.0 ± 12.9 years) were included in the study. The prevalence of newly diagnosed diabetes was 3.4% (50.5% of total diabetes). Mean fasting plasma glucose (minimum to maximum) of undiagnosed diabetes was 9.5±3.2 mmol/L (7.0 to 34.0). The study revealed significantly higher FPG level with 25th-75th percentiles for FPG being 7.4-10.7 mmol/L in undiagnosed diabetes. Risk factors associated with undiagnosed diabetes were family history of diabetes, older age, elevated body mass index (BMI), high waist circumstances, hypertension. The top unmodifiable and modifiable risk factor was family history of diabetes (odds ratio, 3.36; 95% confidence interval, 3.19-3.53, p=0.0001) and BMI>30kg/m2 (odds ratio, 2.36; 95% confidence interval, 2.27-2.45, p=0.0001). Conclusion: Undiagnosed diabetes affects a substantial proportion of Mongolian adults. The study highlights significantly higher FPG level in undiagnosed, emphasizing the crucial need for regular screening. Since elevated BMI and family history of diabetes are strong risk factors, these offer an opportunity for early detection.