Analysis of 1,116 adults in Qatar's primary care system reveals alarming prediabetes risk patterns using the locally-developed PRISQ screening tool. Nearly half (47.7%) scored as high risk for developing prediabetes, with age emerging as the strongest predictor, followed by BMI, waist circumference, and blood pressure. The mean PRISQ score of 26.5 indicates elevated population-wide metabolic risk. This finding reflects Qatar's broader metabolic health crisis, where sedentary lifestyles and dietary transitions have created a perfect storm for diabetes development. The Gulf region faces among the world's highest diabetes prevalence rates, making early identification crucial. While PRISQ offers a promising non-invasive screening approach using readily available clinical measurements, this cross-sectional study cannot predict actual progression to prediabetes or diabetes. The tool's population-specific calibration for Qatar may limit generalizability to other regions. As a preprint awaiting peer review, these results require validation before clinical implementation. The findings appear confirmatory rather than groundbreaking, aligning with established knowledge about metabolic risk factors in Gulf populations, though the precise quantification of risk distribution provides valuable epidemiological insight for targeted prevention strategies.
47.7% of Qatar Primary Care Patients Show High Prediabetes Risk
📄 Based on research published in medRxiv preprint
Read the original research →⚠️ This is a preprint — it has not yet been peer-reviewed. Results should be interpreted with caution and may change following peer review.
For informational, non-clinical use. Synthesized analysis of published research — may contain errors. Not medical advice. Consult original sources and your physician.