Prevalência de indivíduos diagnosticados com pré-diabetes no laboratório de análises clínicas (LAC) da Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Goiás (PUCGO) no ano de 2024

Abstract

The term prediabetes refers to a condition in which blood levels of the carbohydrate glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) are higher than the normal reference range (70 to 99 mg/dL), but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. In this state, blood glucose levels range from 100 to 125 mg/dL. In recent years, a significant increase has been observed in the number of individuals diagnosed with this condition, serving as a warning sign of an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Prediabetes can be reversed through lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, increased physical activity, and weight loss if necessary.As part of the clinical assessment in many medical specialties, the request and performance of the Fasting Blood Glucose test is routine in clinical laboratories. Accordingly, the Clinical Analysis Laboratory (LAC) at the Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás (PUC Goiás) also performs this test extensively, recording a total of 12,309 requests in the year 2024. The objective of this study is to establish the prevalence of individuals diagnosed with prediabetes at the LAC of PUC Goiás through an exploratory, cross-sectional, observational, and descriptive research approach. The analysis of the population evaluated at the LAC of PUC Goiás (n=12,309) revealed that 24.5% of patients had fasting blood glucose levels between 100 and 125 mg/dL, a range consistent with the classification of prediabetes according to international guidelines. The prevalence was significantly higher among women (29.1%) compared to men (15.2%), suggesting a potential need for sex-specific preventive approaches. Given the clinical relevance of this condition, it is recommended to strengthen early screening strategies, health education, and interventions focused on lifestyle modification for populations at risk.