Fatigue, Sleep, and Mental Health as Hidden Predictors of Prediabetes in Undergraduate Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to examine the associations between fatigue, sleep quality, and mental health (depression and anxiety) among undergraduate students with prediabetes.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 327 undergraduate students (ages 18-25) from 3 universities in Indonesia. Participants completed surveys on fatigue, sleep quality, depression, and anxiety. Fasting blood glucose were measured to determine prediabetes. Multivariate logistic regression analyzed associations between psychological, behavioral, and metabolic factors.ResultsPrediabetes was found in 21.4% (n = 70) of participants. Students with prediabetes had significantly higher fatigue, poorer sleep quality, and shorter sleep duration (<6 hours) more often. They also had higher depression scores and more anxiety symptoms. Multivariate analysis, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, physical activity, and family history, revealed that higher fatigue, poor sleep quality, short sleep duration, and depression were independent predictors of prediabetes.ConclusionFatigue, poor sleep quality, and mental health symptoms are key factors associated with prediabetes risk in undergraduate students. These findings highlight the importance of addressing psychological and behavioral factors in prediabetes prevention.