New tool shows promise in tackling type 2 diabetes
The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: A recent study has indicated that a new early assessment tool could potentially play a significant role in controlling the prevalence of...
Doha, Qatar: A recent study has indicated that a new early assessment tool could potentially play a significant role in controlling the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Qatar and beyond.
It demonstrates that the Pre-diabetes Risk Score in Qatar (PRISQ), developed using clinical data from Qatar Biobank and relying solely on non-invasive parameters, accurately diagnoses pre-diabetes in over 90% of individuals in a real clinical setting.
The study “Real-world clinical validation of the Qatar pre-diabetes risk score: a cross-sectional study,” published in the BMJ Public Health journal, has highlighted that “PRISQ stands as a powerful solution, providing a rapid and cost-effective pre-diabetes diagnosis through exclusively non-invasive parameters.”
Pre-diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. It serves as a significant independent risk factor because individuals with pre-diabetes are at a heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those with normal blood sugar levels. Managing pre-diabetes through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise can often prevent or delay the progression to type 2 diabetes, highlighting its importance as a target for early intervention strategies.
Based on available data, 25% of adults in the country have pre-diabetes, and approximately 42% of pregnant women experience gestational diabetes. Obesity is a significant risk factor for gestational diabetes and pregnancy complications. Additionally, around 3% of adults in Qatar have undiagnosed diabetes without awareness of their condition.