Evaluation of diabetes risk among Turkish nurses: The role of insulin resistance and life style on diabetes risk

Abstract Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate diabetes risk in healthy young nurses in a Training and Research Hospital in Turkey. Methods: The study was conducted in 338 nurses. Entire participants underwent laboratory examination including biochemical analysis and homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. Risk of developing diabetes questionnaire (FINDRISK) was performed by interviewing with nurses. Pearson's simple linear regression analysis, Student's t-test, chi-square and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Insulin resistance (IR) and impaired fasting glucose were observed in 41.1% (n = 139) and 21.6% (n = 73), respectively. Only 42.6% of participants had normal body mass index whereas 34.6% were overweight and 22.8% were obese. The percentage of nurses under the age of 45 years was 83.4%, of this population, only 17.8% of them had a lower diabetes risk. Conclusions: Individuals with low diabetes risk may exhibit IR; however, IR is more frequent in individuals with high diabetes risk. Preventive measures and public awareness about these measures play a crucial role against diabetes risk.