Abstract

Prediabetes marks blood glucose levels above normal yet below the diabetes threshold. Its
prevalence is escalating worldwide, with projections estimating over 470 million affected
individuals by 2030. Notably, there is a dearth of studies offering insight into prediabetes
prevalence among university students in Uganda. This research was designed to assess
prediabetes prevalence and associated risk factors among apparently healthy Kampala
International University Western Campus (KIU-WC) bachelor students. Employing a
prospective cross-sectional study design, the investigation involved structured selfadministered
questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and blood biochemistry,
targeting registered university students of all ages at KIU-WC. Sample size calculations
were based on a formula, with BMI for age and sex referenced against Agarwal charts.
Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were classified per ADA criteria. A total of 121 students
(61.2% male, 38.8% female) aged 15-35 participated. Results indicated a significant
prediabetes prevalence of 19.8%. Notably, prediabetes rates varied among distinct age
groups, particularly higher among middle-aged or young adults (18-25 years). The study
underscores lifestyle modifications as pivotal in preventing or delaying prediabetes
progression to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Moreover, it highlights the necessity for
further comprehensive prospective studies with larger sample sizes and adequate funding
to precisely quantify prediabetes burden, its risk factors, complications, preventive
measures, and validate the epidemiological findings observed in this investigation