Implementation of Dasman Diabetes Risk Score

Published on 29/04/2024

Diabetes is a significant health concern in Kuwait and the Gulf region, with a high prevalence that poses considerable risks to individuals’ health and well-being. The complications associated with diabetes, such as cardiovascular diseases, kidney damage, blindness, and foot diseases, highlight the urgent need for effective prevention strategies and early intervention measures.

Prevention is considered the most effective approach in managing diabetes. By identifying individuals at high risk and implementing preventive measures, the onset of diabetes and its associated complications can be mitigated. Dasman Diabetes Institute has developed a diabetes risk score calculator:

The Diabetes Risk Score integrates various key factors that contribute to an individual’s risk of developing diabetes. These factors include:

1. BMI (Body Mass Index): Obesity is a significant risk factor for diabetes, and BMI serves as an indicator of excess weight relative to height.
2. Age: Age is a non-modifiable risk factor, but it is associated with an increased likelihood of developing diabetes, particularly as individuals grow older.
3. Family History of Diabetes: Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in diabetes risk. Individuals with a family history of diabetes are at a higher risk of developing the condition themselves.
4. Use of Blood Pressure and Lipid-Lowering Medications: Hypertension and dyslipidemia are common comorbidities associated with diabetes. The use of medications to manage these conditions may indicate an increased risk of diabetes.
5. Random Plasma Glucose Levels: Elevated blood glucose levels, even if not meeting the diagnostic criteria for diabetes, indicate impaired glucose metabolism and an increased risk of progressing to diabetes.

Based on these factors, individuals are assigned scores, which categorize them into low, moderate, or high-risk groups for developing diabetes. This risk stratification allows researchers to identify high-risk individuals who may benefit most from targeted interventions and lifestyle modifications. Individuals with high risk will be invited to DDI to participate in their Diabetes Prevention Program that aims to reduce the incidence of diabetes and its complications by implementing preventive measures among high-risk groups. This is a comprehensive program that involves dietary modifications, increased physical activity, and pharmacological interventions. By addressing modifiable risk factors and promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors, the Diabetes Prevention Initiative seeks to stem the rising tide of diabetes in Kuwait and the Gulf region, improving the overall health outcomes of the population.