Risk of type 2 diabetes in students attending the main tertiary education institutions in Malta

Abstract

Introduction: Students attending tertiary education are in general young, healthy adults, however they are at an increased risk for picking up lifestyle habits that together with background risks and factors related to their status as students increase the risk of diabetes later in life. This has implications for the burden of diabetes in a high-risk population and requires targeted actions from a young age to mitigate. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the diabetes risk in tertiary education students by quantifying the prevalence of the risk, identifying the associated risk factors, and identifying measures that can help mitigate diabetes risk. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out amongst students at the University of Malta and MCAST via an online questionnaire. Self-reported data provided information about the socio-demographic factors, general health factors, genetic and environmental exposures, and behavioural risks for diabetes. The risk of diabetes was quantified using the FINDRISC score tool. Results: A total of 375 responses were collected. Most students were classified into the low-risk category of FINDRISC, while 24.8% had a slightly elevated risk, 6.1% had a moderate risk and 5.1% had a high risk of diabetes. Older age, excessive weight, having a family history of diabetes, reduced exercise levels, anxiety, and living with a partner or children were associated with an increased risk. Conclusion: The implementation of measures that tackle the commonest modifiable risk factors with a high impact on diabetes risk can help improve the general health of the student population and improve their prospects for the future.