The prevalence and related factors of pre‐diabetes and diabetes among overweight and obese children in Urban schools

Kisokanth G; Indrakumar J; Arulpragasam  AN; Ilankoon  IMPS

doi:10.5455/njcm.20211223111349

Authors

Kisokanth G Dept. of Clinical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, Colombo
Indrakumar J Dept. of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, Colombo
Arulpragasam AN Dept. of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Care Sciences, Eastern University, Sri Lanka, Batticaloa
Ilankoon IMPS Dept of Nursing & Midwifery, Faculty of Allied Health Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, Colombo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5455/njcm.20211223111349

Keywords:

Overweight, Obesity, Child, Prediabetic State, Glycated Hemoglobin A, Ethnic Groups

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of pre‐diabetes and diabetes among overweight and obese children in urban schools and factors associated with them, in Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka.

Methods: A school based cross‐sectional descriptive study was conducted to collect data on socio-demographic information, eating habits and physical activities, using a validated, pre-tested questionnaire. In addition, anthropometric measurements and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test were performed. Multivariate logistic regression analyze was performed to identify the factors associated with glycemic status by using SPSS v23.

Results: Out of the 269 children recruited, 59% were obese. Prevalence of pre‐diabetes (HbA1c 5.7%–6.4%) and diabetes (HbA1c ≥ 6.5%) were 20.1% (95% CI 15.5%–25.4%) and 3.3% (95% CI 1.5%–6.3%) respectively. Multivariate regression shows that having a BMI of ≥ 27.5Kg/m² (AOR=2.69), male gender (AOR=2.71) and ethnicity (AOR = 2.58) were found to be significant factors for higher HbA1c (≥5.7%).

Conclusions: Prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes among overweight and obese school children was high and mainly associated with body weight which is a modifiable risk factor. Lifestyle modifications focusing on weight reduction among overweight and obese school children especially boys, need to be carried out.

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