Introduction: NCDs pose a growing health challenge in Africa and compounded by the burden of communicable disease. There is an increased prevalence of prediabetes with 25% of them progressing to type 2 diabetes. We sought out to determine the prevalence of prediabetes, diabetes and evaluate the predictors of prediabetes in adults in Kenya.  Methods: Using the WHO Stepwise approach to chronic disease risk factor surveillance, a population-based, nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted between April and June 2015 on participants aged 18–69 years. A multi-stage cluster sample design and weighting were used. Prediabetes was defined as impaired fasting blood glucose of 6.1 mmol/l to less than 7 mmol/l while diabetes was defined as impaired fasting blood glucose of 7 mmol/l or more.  We assessed the prevalence of prediabetes, diabetes and univariate analysis was done. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of prediabetes and diabetes. Results: A total of 4163 respondents, prevalence of 7% are prediabetes and 2% for diabetes. For prediabetes and diabetes females were 59% and 66% respectively. Age group of 18 – 29 years had 32% being prediabetes. The rural respondents had 62% prediabetes and 45% had education level of secondary and above. Of the diabetics 91% had their blood sugars out of control.). Multivariate analysis age groups of 50-59 (aOR 2.9, CI=2.03, 4.19), daily alcohol consumption (aOR 2.94, CI=1.53, 5.65) and obesity (aOR 2.55, CI=1.72, 3.77) remained independent significant predictors associated with prediabetes. For diabetes the multivariate analysis age groups of 50-59 (aOR 16.09, CI=6.93, 37.38), fourth wealth band (aOR 2.59, CI=1.14, 5.91) and overweight (aOR 1.96, CI=1.05, 3.63) remained independent significant predictors. Conclusion: Kenyan adults have a high prevalence of prediabetes, majority of the cases are females and reside in rural areas. Prominent predictors are daily alcohol consumption, overweight and central obesity.  It is recommended that primary healthcare approaches for essential care for NCDs to promote healthy lifestyles, early detection, treatment and control.

Prevalence and predictors of prediabetes and diabetes mellitus in Kenya: population-based national survey