Prediabetes in Delaware: a snapshot and a wake-up call
 
 
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Delaware State University, Dover, United States
 
 
Publication date: 2023-04-27
 
 
Popul. Med. 2023;5(Supplement):A1519
 
ABSTRACT
  Background and Objective: Prediabetes implies blood glucose levels being higher than normal—but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. 1 in 3 American adults have pre-diabetes and more than 8 in 10 of them are unaware of their condition. Prediabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. If detected early, prediabetes can often be reversed. Without aggressive lifestyle changes, 15 percent to 30 percent of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years. The Objective of this study was to investigate the sociodemographic, behavioral, and comorbid chronic conditions in Delaware adults diagnosed with prediabetes.   Methods: We used Delaware Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data from 2018 through 2021 (N = 17,180). Descriptive statistics explored sociodemographic characteristics and comorbid chronic conditions in Delawareans with prediabetes. Data were weighted on the basis of Delaware population estimates accounting for the complex sampling BRFSS Methodology. Results: Overall, 10.5% (CI: 9.6–11.4) of Delaware adults reported prediabetes. Delawareans with prediabetes were more likely to be females; predominantly White; less educated, with low income, and less than 65 years of age. Prevalence of comorbid chronic conditions (angina, heart attack, stroke, arthritis, cancer chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and depression) was significantly higher as was the prevalence of obesity, tobacco smoking and lack of exercise among Delawareans with prediabetes. Conclusions: Results from this study puts a spotlight on a greater need for a rigorous diagnosis and screening for prediabetes in Delaware. Of great concern is the significantly higher prevalence of comorbid chronic conditions that can further complicate the management of prediabetes. This snapshot could serve as the driver of targeted public health programs to not only prevent but reverse prediabetes thus improving the overall health of Delawareans.    
ISSN:2654-1459
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