Diabetes prevalence is associated with obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and sociodemographic factors in adults living in Casablanca-Settat and Rabat-Sale-Kenitra regions, Morocco

Background: Diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide, but little is known about its risk factors in Morocco. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of diabetes. Methods: Data from the national survey on risk factors for non-communicable diseases conducted in 2017–2018 was used. Data collection was based on the WHO STEPwise approach to surveillance (STEPS). A total of 1522 adults aged 18 years and older were included in our analysis. Results: The overall prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes was 12.8% and 17.9%, respectively. Women had a significantly higher likelihood of diabetes than men (p = 0.049). Adults aged 45 years or older were more likely than the 18–29-year-old group to have prediabetes (p < 0.033) and diabetes (p < 0.001). Similarly, urban individuals were more likely to develop diabetes than rural individuals (odds ratio (OR): 4.58; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 3.06–6.84). Overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were associated with a significantly higher risk for prediabetes and diabetes. Compared with never smokers, former smokers were found to be at increased risk of diabetes, while current smokers had a reduced risk of both prediabetes and diabetes. Alcohol drinkers also had a slightly lower risk of prediabetes and diabetes than non-drinkers. Conclusions: More than 30% of adults had prediabetes or diabetes. Increased age (≥ 45 years), female gender, living in urban areas, overweight/obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were associated with a greater risk for prediabetes and diabetes. Public health interventions are urgently needed to prevent and control diabetes and therefore avoid associated morbidity and mortality.