Prevalence and Risk Stratification of Undiagnosed Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes among Blood Donors

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Diabetes and prediabetes are rapidly increasing globally and in Bangladesh, imposing a major public health burden. As many individuals remain undiagnosed during the prolonged asymptomatic phase, screening—particularly among apparently healthy groups such as blood donors—is essential for early detection and prevention. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes and pre-diabetes and assess associated risk factors among blood donors. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study at the Department of Transfusion Medicine, Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), Dhaka, included 135 healthy blood donors aged 18–60 years. Demographic, clinical, lifestyle, and family history data were collected, diabetes risk assessed using FINDRISC, and HbA1c measured from EDTA blood samples. Data were analyzed with SPSS v24.0 using Chi-square tests (p <0.05). Results: Among 135 blood donors (mean age 36.2 ± 6.4 years; 91.1% male), 51.8% were overweight and 17.8% obese, with 7.4% reporting regular physical exercise and 11.9% having hypertension. A majority had a family history of diabetes (60%). FINDRISC scores indicated moderate risk in 52.6% (7–11) and 25.9% (12–14). HbA1c assessment showed 49.6% were normoglycemic, 41.5% prediabetic, and 8.9% diabetic. Higher BMI and elevated FINDRISC scores were significantly associated with increased prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes (p = 0.030 and <0.001). Conclusion: Blood donors, though seemingly healthy, may have significant undiagnosed dysglycemia, strongly influenced by BMI, family history, and risk score.