Prediabetes Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Risk Levels in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and aims Prediabetes is a reversible state of mild hyperglycemia that significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP), risk levels, and associated factors related to prediabetes among adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between February and March 2022 among adults (≥18 years) residing in the UAE, using non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected through a self-administered online questionnaire using the Knowledge Attitude Practice - Prediabetes Assessment Questionnaire (KAP-PAQ) and the Saudi Diabetes Risk Score (SADRISC). Data analysis was performed using SPSS (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, IBM Corp., Version 28, Armonk, NY). Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for group comparisons, and Spearman correlation assessed associations. Participants with diabetes were excluded from the SADRISC-based risk analysis. Results A total of 414 participants completed the survey, 278 (67.1%) of whom were non-Emirati Arabs. Poor knowledge of prediabetes was observed in 269 (65%) of participants, and 348 (84.1%) reported poor to very poor practices. In contrast, 238 (57.5%) expressed positive to strongly positive attitudes. The SADRISC tool classified 105 (27.8%) non-diabetic participants as having a high risk for prediabetes or undiagnosed T2DM. Nearly half (203, 49.0%) were unaware that prediabetes progression to T2DM is preventable with intervention, and 244 (58.9%) had never checked their blood sugar levels. Higher knowledge levels were associated with better attitudes and practices. Conclusion This study reveals insufficient knowledge and poor health practices regarding prediabetes among UAE adults despite generally positive attitudes. A considerable proportion of participants were at high risk for prediabetes or undiagnosed T2DM. Nearly half were unaware that prediabetes progression is preventable. Despite national efforts, most had never checked their blood glucose levels. Targeted interventions, including more extensive awareness campaigns and screening programs, are crucial to improving knowledge, encouraging preventive behaviors, and enhancing early detection of prediabetes.