Prevalência de alterações glicêmicas em estudantes ingressantes da área da saúde e fatores associados

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is one of the main chronic non-communicable diseases and a significant global public health problem, characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and associated with metabolic and cardiovascular complications. Entering university promotes changes in routine and lifestyle habits, which can influence glycemic metabolism. The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of glycemic alterations in incoming students in the health field and associated factors. This is a cross-sectional observational study conducted with 145 undergraduate students from the Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), Campus A.C. Simões, Maceió–AL. Sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical data, as well as anthropometric measurements and capillary blood glucose levels, were collected during the first six months of the course. A predominance of females (71.7%) and a mean age of 20.7 years were observed. The majority of participants presented glycemia within the normal range (67.6%), while 30.3% presented insulin resistance and 2.1% had values compatible with diabetes. There was a statistically significant association between glycemic alterations and sex (p=0.024), with a higher frequency among men, as well as between glycemic alterations and undergraduate course (p=0.004), with a higher prevalence among Physical Education students. The practice of physical activity also showed a significant association (p=0.021). It is concluded that, even in a young university population, relevant glycemic alterations were identified, reinforcing the importance of early screening and health promotion strategies aimed at preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus in this population group.