DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Hyperglycaemia poses significant health risks. This study investigates hyperglycaemia among male university employees due to their high-risk lifestyle factors and higher prevalence of diabetes in Pakistani males. Methods: The study was conducted among male university employees (teaching and support staff, n=243) at a university in Peshawar, Pakistan. Socioeconomic and lifestyle data were collected using validated questionnaires. Nutritional assessments included physical measurements and diet quality evaluation. Weight, height, and waist circumference (WC), were taken with standardized tools. Body composition parameters, including body mass index (BMI), total body fat (TBF), and visceral body fat (VBF), were assessed using validated techniques. Diet quality was evaluated through subjective measures. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were determined with a glucometer. Results: Significant associations were observed between hyperglycaemia and anthropometric indicators, as well as body composition. Hyperglycaemic individuals had higher BMI (30.5 vs 24.9 Kg/m²), TBF (29.4% vs 22.2%), VBF (13.6% vs 8.3%), and WC (100.0 Cm vs 90.7 Cm), indicating central obesity. Hyperglycaemic participants also exhibited lower physical activity levels and poorer sleep quality. Linear regression analysis revealed significant predictors of FBG levels, with TBF (?=1.63, p<0.05) and BMI (?=1.80, p<0.05) positively associated, while higher consumption of the five food groups was negatively associated (?=-4.00, p<0.05). Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of body composition, particularly BMI and TBF, in predicting hyperglycaemia. Promoting balanced diets and minimizing ultra-processed food consumption are essential strategies to mitigate hyperglycaemia risk among university employees.
Pak J Physiology 2025;21(3):37–40, DOI: https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v21i3.1844