Prevalence and Risk Factors of Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Population-Based Survey

Introduction. Diabetes and prediabetes are major global health concerns, with rising prevalence driven by aging, urbanization, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles. Early identification of at-risk individuals is essential to prevent progression and complications. Data on the epidemiology of diabetes and prediabetes in Duhok City, Iraq, remain scarce. This study aims to determine the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes, as well as the associated risk factors, among adults in Duhok City, Iraq. Methods. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2025 among 563 adults selected via multistage random sampling. Data on demographics, lifestyle, medical history, anthropometrics, and blood glucose were collected. Diabetes and prediabetes were diagnosed based on fasting blood glucose, random blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin levels. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for factors associated with prediabetes and diabetes. Results. The overall prevalence of glycemic abnormalities was 18.1%, including 6.4% with prediabetes and 11.7% with diabetes; 13.6% of diabetes cases were previously undiagnosed. Factors associated with prediabetes were older age and a history of dyslipidemia, whereas factors associated with diabetes included older age, higher body mass index, a history of dyslipidemia, and a family history of diabetes. Conclusions. One in five adults in Duhok City has prediabetes or diabetes, with a substantial proportion undiagnosed. Older age, higher body mass index, a history of dyslipidemia, and a family history of diabetes are key determinants of diabetes. These findings emphasize the need for targeted screening and early interventions to prevent the progression of diabetes and its complications.