OBJECTIVE: To screen the risk of developing diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) in adult individuals. METHODS: Several risk factors for DM2 (sedentary lifestyle, previous coronary artery disease, hyperglycemia-inducing medications, body mass index [BMI], blood pressure, serum triglyceride, and HDL-cholesterol levels) were assessed in 314 adults as a function of gender and age group. RESULTS: 73.2% of the population had two or more concurrent risk factors and 26.8% had less than two factors. The occurrence of risk factors for DM2 development was observed even in young adults, and the risk factors are likely associated with aging. Differences in risk factors and incidence were observed between men and women in the same age group. CONCLUSION: Regardless the age studied, the most prevalent risk factors associated with DM2 were: BMI, sedentary lifestyle, and reduced serum HDL-cholesterol, which are modifiable, thus increasing the importance of preventive measures. Discrepancies found in prevalent risk factors in men and women also suggest that sociocultural differences influence the risk of developing DM.
Diabetes mellitus; Risk screening; Diabetes prevention; Risk factors for diabetes mellitus
