THE PREVALENCE OF HYPERGLYCAEMIA AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG PRECLINICAL STUDENTS OF COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES, USMANU DANFODIYO UNIVERSITY, SOKOTO

Abstract

Hyperglycaemia, a hallmark feature of diabetes mellitus, is increasingly observed among young adults, especially in academic settings where suboptimal lifestyle practices and stress are common. This study assessed the prevalence of hyperglycaemia and associated risk factors among preclinical students of College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. A cross sectional study design was employed, involving 120 participants (35.8% males, 64.2% females) across Medical Laboratory Science, Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Radiography departments. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was measured using a calibrated glucometer following aseptic techniques and manufacturer’s guideline. A validated questionnaire evaluated demographics, risk factors of hyperglycaemia (family history of diabetes mellitus, sedentary behaviour, exercise, academic stress, sleep habits, sugary beverage and processed snack consumption), and knowledge of hyperglycaemia. Glycaemic assessment using ADA criteria showed 64.2% had normal FBG (3.9 - 5.5 mmol/L), 28.3% impaired fasting glucose (5.6 - 6.9 mmol/L), 2.5% hyperglycaemia (≥7.0 mmol/L), and 5.0% hypoglycaemia (<3.9 mmol/L). Assessed risk factors included poor sleep (76.7%), daily sugary beverages (57.6%), daily processed snacks (50.0%), academic stress (49.1%), and no daily exercise (54.2%), family history of diabetes mellitus was reported by 24.2%. No risk factor was significantly associated with hyperglycaemia (p>0.05). Knowledge was satisfactory, 82.5% correctly defined hyperglycaemia, 93.3% endorsed dietary control and exercise for prevention, and 95.3% recognized diabetes, heart disease, and kidney damage as consequences. Although the prevalence of hyperglycaemia was low, the high prevalence of impaired fasting glucose highlights a significant prediabetes burden, emphasizing the need for health education and interventions to prevent diabetes mellitus.