Prevalence of prediabetes and its risk factors among adults in selected communities in Accra

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a global health issue, with cases projected to surge from 180,000,000 in 1980 to over 693,000,000 by 2045.Considering that prediabetes precedes type 2 diabetes, early diagnosis and timely intervention are essential to prevent or delay disease progression.Objective: This study assessed the determinants of prediabetes among adults in selected Accra communities.Methods: This study investigated prediabetes prevalence in five Accra communities -North Kaneshie, Madina, Teshie, Lapaz, and Legon.A cross-sectional study used multistage sampling to recruit 360 adults ( 18 years).Eligibility required Accra residency ( 1 year), 10 -12-hour fasting, and informed consent.Sociodemographic variables, behavioural patterns, dietary intakes, anthropometric measures and clinical indicators were collected.Logistic regression was employed to estimate associations between all variables and prediabetes status.Results: Prediabetes and diabetes prevalence were 26.7% and 29.4%, respectively.Significant associations were found with prediabetes for female sex (OR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.02 -4.59, p = 0.031), age 40 -59 years (OR: 2.97, 95% CI: 1.10-8.32,p = 0.039), and being single (OR: 2.60, 95% CI: 1.05-6.43,p = 0.038).Behavioral factors linked to prediabetes included salt intake (AOR: 6.25, 95% CI: 1.69-23.02,p=0.006), smoking (AOR: 10.14, 95% CI: 1.21-111.03,p = 0.002), caffeine intake (AOR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.53 -11.88, p = 0.012), and low physical activity (AOR: 3.53, 95% CI: 1.83 -7.89, p < 0.001).Increased consumption of starchy foods (AOR: 3.63, 95% CI: 1.74 -7.58, p = 0.007), animal-sourced foods (AOR: 2.54, 95% CI: 1.36 -4.86, p = 0.015), fats and oils (AOR: 5.87, 95% CI: 2.76 -12.51, p = 0.001), and legumes (AOR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.23 -6.11, p = 0.045) were significantly linked to prediabetes.BMI greater than 25kg/m2 (AOR: 4.55, 95% CI: 2.12 -18.11, p < 0.001), MAP (AOR: 4.21, 95% CI: 1.50 -11.81, p = 0.006), and stage 1 hypertension (AOR: 6.74, 95% CI: 1.50 -30.29, p = 0.015) showed associations with prediabetes. Conclusion:Prediabetes prevalence was high, driven by sociodemographic, dietary, and behavioural factors.Lifestyle and physiological risks underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions in this population.