Socio-demographic Characteristics and Nutritional Status of Adults at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu

Abstract

Introduction: In Malaysia, the undiagnosed diabetes prevalence has increased. Socio-demographic characteristics and nutritional status play a crucial role in prediabetes development. Hence, this cross-sectional study aimed to identify the socio-demographic characteristics and nutritional status of adults at risk of T2DM in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu. Methods: A total of 30 participants at risk of T2DM aged 18 to 59 years old were recruited from Kuala Nerus using a convenience sampling method. Information on socio-demographic, anthropometric, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level, clinical profile, Finnish Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (FINDRISC) score, dietary intake, and physical activity level were obtained. Results: The participants (mean age: 36.1 ± 8.7 years) were mostly female (76.7%), Malay (96.7%), married (43.3%), had a tertiary degree (60.0%), and were working (83.3%) with a monthly salary of less than RM 1000. Half of the participants were from the obese class I category. Their FPG level was 5.6 ± 0.5 mmol/L and half of them were classified as having optimal blood pressure. Also, they had a mean FINDRISC score of 6.3 ± 1.8. The participants consumed 2073 ± 247 kcal/day, which was comprised of 50.8% carbohydrate, 16.1% protein, and 33.1% fat. Most of them (63.3%) were minimally active. Conclusion: The participants had moderate T2DM risk with normal FPG level, blood pressure, and heart rate. They had excessive energy and fat intake with insufficient dietary fibre intake. It is vital to examine the socio-demographic characteristics and nutritional status, which can provide important information for planning future cost-effective T2DM preventive strategies.