Epidemiological features and prevalence patterns of prediabetes outcomes in an east coast Malaysian cohort: A retrospective cohort study

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The rising prevalence of prediabetes poses a significant public health challenge worldwide. This descriptive study aimed to offer insights into the epidemiological characteristics and progression patterns of prediabetes, which are crucial for informing effective interventions and addressing the growing diabetes mellitus (DM) epidemic.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study involved 705 adults with prediabetes attending 28 health clinics in Terengganu, Malaysia, from January 2019 to June 2023. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, medical history and clinical measures during diagnosis and follow-up were collected from medical records and analysed using descriptive statistics. The progression trends to normoglycaemia, stable prediabetes and DM were determined based on glycated haemoglobin levels recorded over a 2-year follow-up period.
Results: Of the 705 participants, 25.0% (n=176) reverted to normoglycaemia; 59.1% (n=417) remained stable with prediabetes; and 15.9% (n=112) progressed to DM within the 2-year followup. Dyslipidaemia, with higher triglyceride levels and lower high-density lipoprotein levels at diagnosis, was more prevalent among the participants who progressed to DM. Additionally, the participants with DM had higher median weight, body mass index and fasting blood sugar level at diagnosis than the other participants.
Conclusion: This study underscores the critical need for targeted interventions to address the observed trends in the progression from prediabetes to DM in the Malaysian population. Comprehensive prediabetes programmes focusing on lifestyle modifications such as weight management, glycaemic control and lipid profile optimisation, along with regular monitoring, are essential in preventing progression to DM.