PREDIABETES AMONG MEDICAL PERSONAL AGE 25-40 YEARS IN IMAM AL-HASSAN AL-MUJTABA TEACHING HOSPITAL IN KARBALA/IRAQ

Prediabetes is a transitional condition of glucose regulation in which plasma glucose levels are elevated, yet remains below the diagnostic criteria for diabetes. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of prediabetes risk within the sample and to evaluate the risk factors associated with prediabetes among medical professionals aged 25 to 40 years at AL Imam Al Hassan Al-Mujtaba Teaching Hospital. A cross-sectional study was adopted among participants not known to have diabetes, doctors, and pharmacists in the hospital. The study consisted of three parts: the first elicited sociodemographic characteristics; the second included questions about weight, height for body mass index (BMI) assessment, smoking status, adherence to a weight loss plan, medication usage, dietary compliance, and personal and familial medical history; and the third covered opinions on lifestyle and physical activity. A total of 116 medical workers or personnel were included, of whom 71 (61.2%) were female and 21 (18.1%) were prediabetic. High Body Mass Index, a positive family history of diabetes mellitus, increasing age, being a smoker, and male sex were statistically associated with high HbA1c levels. In conclusion, prediabetes is associated with high Body Mass Index, increasing age, a positive family history of diabetes mellitus, male sex, and smoking. Obesity was prevalent among the sample, and there was a positive correlation between HbA1c level and BMI as well as increasing age.