Prevalence of Impaired Glucose Regulation in Asymptomatic Kuwaiti Young Adults

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 A1c (HbA1c), 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 HbA1c 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/m2) 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.