The prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes in the Kuwaiti adult population in 2014

Kuwait ranks among the top 20 countries worldwide in diabetes prevalence. This study’s objectives were to assess the prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes in Kuwaiti adults. Kuwaiti citizens aged 18–69 years (n = 3915) were studied using the WHO’s STEPwise survey methodology, including its Instrument for Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance. Participants’ demographics, medical history, physical measurements and blood biochemistry were assessed. A subset of 2561 individuals completed all three survey steps, including fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1c assays. The study assessed the prevalence of pre-diabetes (FPG 6.1–6.9 mmol/L or HbA1c level 5.7–6.4%) and diabetes (self-reported history of diabetes with prescription of diabetes medications or FPG ≥ 7 mmol/L or HbA1c level ≥6.5%). The prevalence of pre-diabetes was 19.4% [95% CI: 17.9–21.0%] (By sex: Men, 19.3%; Women, 19.5%; p = 0.92; By age (years): 18–29 y, 13.9%; 30–44 y, 22.6%; 45–59 y, 25.8%; 60–69 y, 16.4%; p