Prevalence of prediabetes and its contributing factors among adults in rural south Karnataka: A descriptive cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background: The asymptomatic nature of prediabetes makes it a critical yet often unnoticed condition, emphasizing the urgent need for timely screening to prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of prediabetes among adults in southern rural Karnataka and elucidate the contributing factors. Methods and Analysis: This study is part of a cluster randomized controlled trial (CTRI/2023/03/050421). While the parent trial focuses on nutritional interventions, the data presented here are derived from a comprehensive community-wide screening program. A census-based recruitment strategy was employed within six randomly selected villages, and 1604 individuals aged 20–50 years were screened. Data on sociodemographic factors, lifestyle habits, and anthropometric and biochemical measures were collected through interviews and blood tests. Prediabetes was defined as fasting plasma glucose levels between 100 and 125 mg/dL. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify potential determinants of prediabetes. Results: The prevalence of prediabetes was 32.7%. Significant factors associated with prediabetes included increasing age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.04), illiteracy (AOR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.24–2.72), lack of physical activity (AOR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.17–2.25), central obesity based on waist-to-height ratio (AOR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.18–2.82), and uncontrolled blood pressure (AOR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.26–2.06). Conclusions: This study showed 32.7% prevalence of prediabetes in rural Karnataka. Key risk factors identified include age, education level, central obesity, and physical inactivity. The elevated prevalence observed in this study suggests that rural communities may be particularly vulnerable, necessitating targeted public health interventions to address these risk factors in rural communities.