Diabetes Risk among Medical Students in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes risk estimation is essential for the implementation of preventive measures. Objectives: We aimed to assess the diabetes risk among medical students in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 169 medical students in the Medical College, University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, from October 2017 to April 2018. Participants signed a written informed consent and then responded to a questionnaire modified from the Finnish and the ARABRISK diabetes score. The questionnaire consisted of eight components inquiring about age, BMI, central adiposity, fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity if found to have high blood pressure or blood sugar, and family history of diabetes mellitus. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis. Results: Out of 169 students (68% with a family history of diabetes), obesity and overweight were found in 21.3 and 26.6%, respectively, 45.6% had central adiposity, more than half were not practicing exercise daily, and 60.4% were not consuming fruits and vegetables daily. A significant percentage was found to have high blood sugar (9.5%) and high blood pressure (4.7%). The diabetes risk score was high or moderate in 16% of the students. Conclusion: Medical students in Tabuk City were at high risk for diabetes mellitus. Obesity, overweight, central adiposity, physical inactivity, and less consumption of fruits and vegetables substantially contributed to the risk. Measures to prevent obesity, improving fruit and vegetable consumption, and exercise are needed.