RESUMO
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of impaired glucose regulation in a young, asymptomatic Kuwaiti population. A cross-sectional study of 484 Kuwaitis [females: 311, and males: 173, aged 17-24 years], students at a public college for basic education, was conducted. Each participant underwent a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test, and biochemical testing for hemoglobin A[1c] [HbA[1c]], total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Physical examinations were performed to measure body mass index [BMI], waist circumference and blood pressure. The prevalence of impaired glucose regulation [impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, and elevated HbA[1c] levels] was 32%, including 4% with newly diagnosed diabetes. Of the 484 participants, 47 [10%] of the population had hypertension and 52 [11%] had dyslipidemia. A total of 244 [50%] were classified as overweight/obese [BMI>25 kg/m[2]] and 201 [42%] had an elevated waist circumference [>/=88 cm in females;>/=102 cm in males]. Impaired glucose regulation was significantly related to increased waist circumference [p=0.021] but not to increased BMI [p=0.181]. Those with impaired glucose regulation also had a higher prevalence of hypertension [p=0.05], particularly systolic hypertension [p=0.023]. Kuwaiti youth have a high prevalence of impaired glucose regulation and overweight/obesity. Waist circumference, rather than BMI, may be a more