PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF IMPAIRED GLUCOSE TOLERANCE AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS

Objective: To find out the prevalence and risk factors of impaired glucose tolerance among medical students

Material and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Qauid-e-Azam Medical College Bahawalpur in month of January 2019 to assess the point prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance and the factors predisposing to the same. After necessary permissions, participants giving written informed consent were interviewed and participants were subjected to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and their heights, weights were measured.

Results: None of the participants had an increased fasting blood glucose but 30 min, 60 min and 90 min post OGTT blood glucose levels were increased in 9 (11.84%) participants and 120 min post OGTT blood glucose was increased in 15 (19.73%) participants. Increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) shows a positive correlation with fasting (r=0.155) and 120 min post OGTT blood glucose (r=0.042). Increase in weekly junk food servings shows a positive correlation with fasting (r=0.014), 90 min (r=0.004) and 120 min post OGTT blood glucose (r=0.009).

Conclusions: Impaired glucose tolerance was present in a substantial number of non-diabetic students and had a correlation with BMI, exercise and junk food intake.