"Knowledge and Risk Factors regarding Prediabetes among Adults Residing in Kerala"

Abstract: Prediabetes is a high-risk intermediate state that can progress to type 2 diabetes if left undetected and unmanaged. This non-experimental descriptive study aimed to assess the knowledge and risk factors associated with prediabetes prevalence among parents and staff of a selected nursing college in Kerala. A total of 227 adults were screened using fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels, and 101 prediabetic individuals were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a sociodemographic proforma, a structured knowledge questionnaire, and a risk factor checklist, and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Among those screened, 44% were prediabetic, 5% were diabetic, and 51% had normal FBS. Within the prediabetic group, 22.7% had good knowledge, 68.3% had average knowledge, and 4% had poor knowledge regarding prediabetes. Significant associations (p<0.05) were found between gender and lifestyle risk factors such as smoking, alcoholism, and gestational diabetes mellitus, and between BMI and conditions like high cholesterol and arthritis. The findings suggest that demographic factors influence prediabetes risk profiles, and highlight the need for improved awareness and preventive strategies to enable early detection and reduce progression to diabetes.