Risk factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus in students of the Faculty of Medicine No.1, USMF „Nicolae Testemițanu”

Abstract

Background. Identifying individuals with risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus allows early diagnosis and the initiation of interventions to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus, which will lead to a decrease in disease incidence and reduce the economic burden on the healthcare system. Objective(s). To evaluate the risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus among students of the Faculty of Medicine No. 1, Nicolae Testemițanu University, in order to identify the most frequent risk categories. Materials and methods. The cross-sectional study included 301 students (238 female and 63 male) from the Faculty of Medicine No. 1, Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy (USMF), with a mean age of 21.9 ± 2.75 years. The Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) questionnaire was used to assess the 10-year risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Results. Using the FINDRISC questionnaire, students were classified into low and slightly elevated risk categories: low risk (<7 points) 82.7% (249 - 198 females, 51 males), slightly elevated risk (7-11 points) 17.2% (52 - 40 females, 12 males). Distribution of identified risk factors (≥1 point): overweight 13.2% (40), obesity 1.6% (5), abdominal circumference >80 cm in females and >94 cm in males 9% (27), less than 30 minutes of physical activity per day 29.2% (88), no daily consumption of fruits/vegetables/berries 52.8% (159), regular antihypertensive treatment 1.9% (6), previously elevated glucose 11.6% (35), aggravated family history 41.1% (124). Conclusion(s). Although according to the FINDRISC score most students fell into low and slightly elevated risk categories, the presence of risk factors such as aggravated family history, insufficient physical activity, and inadequate diet highlights the need for preventive interventions.