Assessing the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Among University Employees in Kuwait: A Cross-Sectional Study

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global public health concern, with Kuwait experiencing one of the highest prevalence rates worldwide, affecting approximately one quarter of adults. The Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) is a simple, cost-effective screening tool for identifying individuals at high risk of developing T2DM. This study aimed to assess the risk of T2DM among Kuwait University (KU) employees using the FINDRISC and to identify associated predictors. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 407 KU employees. Data were collected in person, including anthropometric measurements. Participants with a FINDRISC score ≥ 12 were classified as being at increased risk of T2DM. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of increased risk. Findings revealed a mean FINDRISC score of 9.4, with females having a significantly higher score than males (10.3 and 8.2, respectively), indicating a higher risk of T2DM. Overall, 137 participants (33.7%) were classified as being at increased 10-year risk of developing T2DM. Increased risk was significantly associated with being female (aOR: 2.85, 95% CI: 1.55-5.24), being married (aOR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.57-5.43), and having higher perceived susceptibility to diabetes, including very likely (aOR: 7.73, 95% CI: 3.32-18.02) or somewhat likely (aOR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.35-4.32) compared with not at all likely. Overall, approximately one-third of KU employees were classified as being at an increased risk of T2DM. These findings suggest the potential value of workplace-based screening and diabetes prevention programs to promote early detection and facilitate the early identification of individuals who may benefit from preventive interventions.