RISK FACTORS OF PREDIABETES IN CHILDREN AGED (5-14) YEARS IN NINEVEH GOVERNORATE A CASE-CONTROL STUDY

Abstract

Prediabetes is an increasing public health concern among children because of its potential progression to type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to identify the major risk factors associated with prediabetes among children aged 5–14 years in Nineveh Governorate, Iraq. A hospital-based case-control study was conducted at Al-Khansa Hospital, Mosul, involving 150 children, including 50 diagnosed with prediabetes and 100 healthy controls. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, family and medical history, dietary habits, and physical activity were collected using structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 26, and associations were evaluated using Chi-square tests and odds ratios (ORs). Prediabetes was significantly associated with lower paternal education (OR=8.57), obesity (BMI percentile ≥95th; OR=14.40), hypercholesterolemia (OR=51.00), family history of diabetes in grandparents (OR=6.13), maternal obesity (OR=12.50), frequent consumption of sugary drinks (OR=107.20) and fast food (OR=104.10), and lack of regular physical activity (OR=14.33) (all P<0.01). In contrast, regular vegetable consumption (OR=0.25) and participation in sports for 1–<3 days per week (OR=0.10) were identified as protective factors. These findings indicate that childhood prediabetes is strongly associated with obesity, adverse family history, unhealthy dietary patterns, and physical inactivity, highlighting the need for early lifestyle-based interventions to reduce the risk of progression to type 2 diabetes and support effective prevention strategies in Iraqi children