SCREEN-DETECTED DYSGLYCEMIA AND BODY MASS INDEX PROFILE AMONG ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS IN HYDERABAD: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Objective: To describe screen-detected fasting and post-load glucose abnormalities and the body mass index (BMI) profile among adolescents and young adults evaluated in Hyderabad, and to examine age- and sex-related patterns. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 300 participants aged 17–28 years assessed between December 2016 and June 2019 at Bhaskar General Hospital and selected engineering colleges in Hyderabad. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2-h glucose after a recorded 75-g oral glucose load, height, weight, and BMI were evaluated. FBG ≥100 mg/dL, 2-h glucose ≥140 mg/dL, and BMI ≥23 kg/m² were treated as screening thresholds. Group differences were examined using Chi-square tests and one-way analysis of variance. Results: Among 300 participants, 174 (58.0%) were female. FBG was <100 mg/dL in 209 (69.7%), 100–125 mg/dL in 82 (27.3%), and ≥126 mg/dL in 9 (3.0%); 91 participants had FBG ≥100 mg/dL (30.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 25.4–35.8%). Post-load glucose was ≥140 mg/dL in 26 (8.7%, 95% CI 6.0–12.4%). BMI was ≥23 kg/m² in 77 (25.7%, 95% CI 21.1–30.9%). Mean FBG and post-load glucose differed across age groups (p=0.028 and p=0.002, respectively). Post-load abnormality also varied by age (Chi-square=6.73, p=0.035). Conclusion: Screen-detected glucose abnormalities and elevated BMI were relatively common among the young participants. Higher glucose values were mainly observed in the older age group, while no meaningful difference was seen between males and females. The findings point to the value of early metabolic screening in adolescents and young adults.