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.
