Glycemic Profiles of a Nation: Findings from Türkiye’s World Diabetes Day Screening Study

Objective: To determine the prevalence of dysglycemia, including impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus (NDDM), in individuals visiting healthcare centers across Türkiye on World Diabetes Day and to assess the associated demographic and clinical risk factors.Methods: This multicenter cross-sectional study included 5353 participants from ten provinces. Random capillary blood glucose levels were measured, and the individuals were categorized as normoglycemic, IGT, NDDM, or known diabetes mellitus (KDM). Sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometrics, comorbidities, and smoking status were analyzed across the glycemic groups.Results: Among all participants, 14.7% had IGT, 3% were newly diagnosed with diabetes, and 19.5% had known diabetes. Dysglycemia was significantly associated with older age, higher BMI, and increased prevalence of hypertension and cardiovascular disease (p<0.001). Educational attainment was inversely correlated with deteriorating glycemic levels. Marked interregional differences were observed in the distribution of dysglycemia. Gender-specific disparities were also noted, with a higher proportion of NDDM in men and KDM in women. Smoking was more prevalent among individuals with IGT and NDDM than among those with diabetes or normal glucose tolerance.Conclusion: Dysglycemia, including undiagnosed diabetes, is highly prevalent in the Turkish population. These findings underscore the importance of cost-effective population-based screening strategies, particularly those targeting older, overweight, and underrepresented individuals. Regional tailoring and gender-sensitive approaches may enhance the effectiveness of diabetes prevention programs in the future.