Key result
Hypertension is linked to a ~10-fold higher risk of diabetes in primary care attendees.
Cross-Sectional (n=14,239)
Yes
In a large cross-sectional survey in Riyadh, 12.4% of primary care attendees had diabetes, with older age, male sex, obesity, unemployment, hypertension, and high cholesterol identified as significant risk factors.
Background Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) has been found to affect a quarter of the population in Saudi Arabia, a higher burden than worldwide. Given that there is a lack of robust epidemiological evidence regarding T2D among Saudi population, a need assessment is necessary to identify risk factors of diabetes. Hence, this study aimed to estimate prevalence of diabetes and its demographic and behavioral risk factors among Saudi Arabian population. Methods A cross-sectional survey using a validated and reliable questionnaire was conducted from March to July 2023 In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Altogether, 14,239 patients, aged 18 years or older were selected from 48 primary healthcare centers. SPSS version 26.0 was used to analyze data. Results About 12.4% of Saudi residents were diabetic and 11% were hypertensive. Compared to younger participants of <50 years, those ≥75 years older were 6.30 times more likely to be diabetic (AOR: 6.30; 95% CI: 5.11, 7.77). The risk of T2D was higher among males and obese individuals by 33% (AOR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.51) and 39% (AOR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.75), respectively. Compared to employed Saudi residents, unemployed residents were 1.49 times more likely to be diabetic (AOR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.30, 1.70). Hypertensive patients were 10.42 times more likely to experience diabetes than non-hypertensive patients (AOR: 10.42; 95% CI: 9.02, 12.03). Patients with high cholesterol were 3.13 times more likely to develop diabetes than patients with low cholesterol levels (AOR: 3.13; 95% CI: 2.64, 3.72). Conclusion The prevalence of diabetes appears to be high in Saudi Arabia. Older-aged males and unemployed Saudi residents were at higher risk of developing Diabetes than younger, employed, and female residents. Hypertension, obesity, and high cholesterol were other strong risk factors for T2D. Education was found to be a protective factor for Diabetes among Saudi population.
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Nasser et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Type 2 Diabetes (n=14,239). Hypertension vs. Non-hypertensive patients was evaluated on Diabetes (AOR 10.42, 95% CI 9.02-12.03). Hypertension was strongly associated with diabetes among Saudi primary care attendees (AOR 10.42; 95% CI 9.02-12.03), alongside older age, obesity, and high cholesterol.
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