Characteristics and risk factors associated with developing prediabetes in Saudi Arabia.

Prediabetes is prevalent in Saudi Arabia and globally. It is associated with adverse health outcomes and complications. Consequently, this study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with developing prediabetes in Saudi Arabia. This is a case-control study conducted at the Family and Community Medicine Department at Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The cases included individuals with prediabetes (prediabetes group), and the control group included individuals with normal HbA1c levels who were not diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes. The data collected included sociodemographic data, clinical parameters, laboratory tests, and medical conditions. The study included 46,201 patients (16,029 patients with prediabetes and 30,173 in the control group). The age of the patients (mean ± SD) with prediabetes was significantly higher than that of the control group (47.22 ± 14.04 versus 36.12 ± 11.83, The study showed that several risk factors are associated with the development of prediabetes in the Saudi population. Addressing these factors can help prevent prediabetes, and consequently, its burden and further progression to diabetes.