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Type 2 (T2DM) is believed to be common in Saudi Arabia, but data are limited. In this population survey, we determined the prevalence of T2DM and prediabetes. A representative sample among residents aged ≥ 18 years of the city of Jeddah was obtained comprising both Saudi and non-Saudi families (N = 1420). Data on dietary, clinical and socio-demographic characteristics were collected and anthropometric measurements taken. Fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were used to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes employing American Diabetes Association criteria. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with T2DM. Age and sex standardized prevalence of prediabetes was 9.0% (95% CI 7.5-10.5); 9.4% (7.1-11.8) in men and 8.6% (6.6-10.6) in women. For DM it was 12.1% (10.7-13.5); 12.9% (10.7-13.5) in men and 11.4% (9.5-13.3) in women. The prevalence based on World Population as standard was 18.3% for DM and 11.9% for prediabetes. The prevalence of DM and prediabetes increased with age. Of people aged ≥50 years 46% of men and 44% of women had DM. Prediabetes and DM were associated with various measures of adiposity. DM was also associated with and family history of dyslipidemia in women, cardiovascular disease in men, and with hypertension, dyslipidemia and family history of diabetes in both sexes. Age was the strongest predictor of DM and prediabetes followed by obesity. Of people aged 50 years or over almost half had DM and another 10-15% had prediabetes leaving only a small proportion of people in this age group with normoglycemia. Since we did not use an oral glucose tolerance test the true prevalence of DM and prediabetes is thus likely to be even higher than reported here. These results demonstrate the urgent need to develop primary prevention strategies for type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Obesity is a risk factor for many chronic diseases, and its prevalence and trends vary among populations. Saudi Arabia shows a greater rise in prevalence than many other countries. We aimed to study the association between several chronic disorders, demographic, and lifestyle factors with increased body mass index (BMI) in the adult population of Jeddah. Methods: Data were obtained from a door-to-door cross sectional study. A three-stage stratified cluster sampling technique was adopted. Individuals in selected households agreeing to participate were interviewed to complete a predesigned questionnaire covering demographic and lifestyle variables, medical history, and family history of chronic diseases. This was followed by anthropometric and blood pressure measurements. A random capillary plasma glucose (RPG) was measured, followed by further testing using fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) to verify whether participants were normal, diabetic, or prediabetic. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to adjust for confounding factors. Results: A total of 1419 individuals were included in the study: 667 men and 752 women. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 35.1 and 34.8%, respectively, in men, and 30.1% and 35.6%, respectively, in women. Both overweight and obesity increased in prevalence to 60 years of age, and decreased in the oldest age group in both sexes. After adjusting for age, risk of obesity in men was increased with having a postgraduate degree [odds ratio (OR), 95%CI = 2.48, 1.1–5.61] and decreased with increased physical activity (OR, 95%CI = 0.49, 0.26–0.91). Risk of prediabetes and diabetes was increased in obese women (OR, 95%CI = 2.94, 1.34–6.44, and 3.61, 1.58–8.26 respectively), that of hypertension in obese men (OR, 95%CI =2.62, 1.41–4.87), and that of dyslipidemia in both sexes (OR, 95%CI = 2.60, 1.40–4.83 in men, and 2.0, 1.01–3.85 in women). A family history of dyslipidemia was associated with reduced risk of obesity among women (OR, 95%CI = 0.33, 0.12–0.92), whereas, in people with above normal weight (BMI ⩾25), there was increased risks of prediabetes, diabetes, and dyslipidemia among women (OR, 95%CI = 2.50, 1.21–5.17; 3.20, 1.45–7.03, and 1.88, 1.02–3.49, respectively ), and of hypertension among men (OR, 95%CI = 1.80, 1.00–3.23). Conclusions: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the Saudi population remain high, indicating ineffectiveness or lack of preventive measures. Risk of prediabetes, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension increased with increasing BMI, with some sex differences in these associations.

Adriamycin (Adr) is a cytotoxic anthracycline agent that is utilized to manage many types of tumors, but its clinical use is undesirable due to severe cardiotoxicity. The present study aimed to investigate the cardioprotective effect of Achillea fragrantissima (A. fragrantissima) against Adr-induced cardiotoxicity through the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory metabolic pathways. A single dose of Adr was injected in rats to induce cardiotoxicity. Rats are divided into 5 groups, control, A. fragrantissima 800, Adr, A. fragrantissima 400 + Adr, and A. fragrantissima 800 + Adr. 72 h after Adr administration, electrocardiographic (ECG) study was performed for all rats. Serum and hearts were then collected for biochemical and histopathological studies. A. fragrantissima ameliorated Adr-induced ST-segment elevation. It reduced Adr-induced elevation in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and IL-6. It also protected against Adr-induced histopathological changes. Pretreatment with the extract increased heart tissue contents of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and reduced glutathione (GSH). Phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed that it is rich in phenolic and flavonoid active constituents. The results of this study revealed that A. fragrantissima extract ameliorates Adr-induced cardiotoxicity via an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Further studies are warranted in order to recognize the precise active constituents of this natural extract which are responsible for the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

This work aimed to extract betalain pigments from red beet (Beta vulgaris L.) by different extraction methods: water and citric acid (2%) solvents to select the optimal method for extraction. In addition, the study determined total betalains, and effect of pH, time and temperature on betalains stability. The results showed that, pH, temperature and time of extraction did not have effect on the stability of Vulgaxanthin-1 pigment extracted using water and citric acid solvents. The concentration of betalain pigments extracted by water was higher than pigments extracted by citric acid solvent. Water extract of betanin pigments was more stable at temperatures between 25-60 °C, with maximum concentration of betanin pigment at 50°C extracted for 5 to15 minutes. Also, the pigment was stable at pH ranged between 2 to 6. The highest concentration was in pH 6 with water extract, while, the highest concentration of betanin pigment was in pH 2 with citric acid extract. Therefore, water is the optimal method for extraction of pigments from red beet.

The purpose of this exploratory study was to develop an instrument to measure perceived food autonomy (PFA) among cognitively alert residents in state licensed Assisted Living (AL) facilities, and to investigate the influence of PFA on food satisfaction, while controlling for functional (physical, social, and psychological) status, general health, and demographic characteristics. The study was designed to achieve four objectives: (1) to define a theoretical framework for food autonomy among residents in AL settings and to develop an instrument accordingly; (2) to evaluate the content and construct validity of the PFA scale; (3) to evaluate the reliability of the PFA scale; and (4) to investigate the effect of perceived food autonomy, functional (physical, social and psychological) status, and general health on food satisfaction in AL settings. Definitions for food autonomy and three underlying dimensions were developed based on conceptualizations of personal autonomy for older adults in long-term care settings, which provided a theoretical framework for the PFA scale development. Content validity was established by expert panel evaluation and a pilot study. Construct validity was achieved from factor analysis procedures with a sample of 120 residents from eleven AL facilities. Cronbach's alpha measure of internal consistency showed the 11-item PFA scale to be reliable (alpha = .71). Multiple linear regression analysis examined the effect of residents' PFA, health and functional status, and demographic characteristics on food satisfaction. Food satisfaction was measured by a highly reliable (alpha = .87) scale that was compiled for this study. Perceived food autonomy was the most significant predictor of food satisfaction, explaining 37% of its variance. Residents' perceptions of daily pain along with the joint effect of ADL needs and dentures use made a lesser but significant contribution. Altogether, the above variables explained 48% of the variance in residents' food satisfaction. Application of reliable instruments such as the PFA and FS scales can be used by AL provider to guide food service quality improvement efforts. Residents' PFA and food satisfaction should be periodically measured due to the typical decline in overall health and functional status of AL residents.

Background and aims In Saudi Arabia, very limited studies have been conducted to evaluate the validity of culturally appropriate food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The aim of this study was to validate a newly designed FFQ against two reference methods in Saudi adults. Methods A new FFQ adapted from the Block FFQ was completed via interview and validated against three-day food records (3DFRs; n  = 126) and 24-hour urinary urea nitrogen (UUN)-based protein intake estimates ( n  = 118) in adult Saudis living in Jeddah. FFQ-estimated nutrient intake was compared to the 3DFR and UUN methods using Pearson’s correlations ( r ), Bland–Altman plots, and weighted kappa ( κ w ) statistics. Results This study included 126 participants (80 females and 46 males). The FFQ generally overreported nutrient intakes compared to the reference methods. The FFQ was strongly correlated with 3DFRs for energy, protein, carbohydrate, and total fat ( r  > 0.7); moderately correlated with cholesterol ( r  = 0.55) and iron ( r  = 0.44); and weakly correlated with the other micronutrients ( r  = 0.1–0.3). A moderate positive correlation for protein intake was found (r = 0.62) between the FFQ and 24-hour UUN method. The Bland–Altman analysis indicated the FFQ had an acceptable level of agreement with no significant proportional bias ( P  > 0.05) with the 3DFRs for energy, protein, total fat, and iron and with protein intake. Similarly, an acceptable level of agreement was found between the FFQ and the 24-hour UUN method for estimating protein intake. Cross-classification analysis showed that ≥ 50% of participants were ranked within the same quartile for energy, protein, and total fat. The FFQ showed good agreement with the 3DFRs for energy and protein ( κ w  ≥ 0.61) and acceptable agreement with protein intake. An acceptable agreement was reported between the FFQ and 24-hour UUN method ( κ w  = 0.56). Separate analyses of females and males showed stronger correlations and agreements between the FFQ and the two reference methods only in females. Conclusion The developed FFQ is an effective and valid tool for assessing dietary intake in Saudi adults. However, it still requires future optimization to improve its validity.

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic which is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus had a profound impact on healthcare services worldwide, including the field of nuclear medicine. Understanding these effects is essential to optimize service delivery and patient management during future health crises. This study aimed to assess the trends, demographic patterns, and pandemic-related impacts on diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures over four years at King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A retrospective analysis was conducted on four years of data (2019-2022) from the Nuclear Medicine Department at King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC). The analysis included inpatients, outpatients, pre-admission, emergency cases, and business center outpatients. All diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures performed during this period were included, while therapeutic procedures were excluded. A total of 24,455 cases were reviewed, ensuring patient privacy through anonymous data collection. The study revealed a significant gender distribution, with female patients comprising 69.4% of the total sample. The most frequently performed procedure was DEXA (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), followed by cardiac procedures and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans. Outpatient admissions accounted for 87.0% of the total, while inpatient admissions accounted for 11.5%. The number of outpatient visits decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic due to lockdown measures and patients' fear of visiting hospitals. Most procedures were conducted post-corona, with pre-corona procedures accounting for 38.6%. The pandemic also disrupted supply chains and distribution channels, impacting the availability of essential tracers like Tc/ Mo and I. The study highlights the significant gender distribution in patient demographics and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nuclear medicine procedures at a single center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The decrease in outpatient visits during the pandemic emphasizes the need for improved healthcare utilization and patient behavior. The disruptions in the supply chain underscore the importance of ensuring a stable and reliable supply of essential tracers during similar health crises.

Aims/Introduction To develop a non‐invasive risk score to identify Saudis having prediabetes or undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Methods Adult Saudis without diabetes were recruited randomly using a stratified two‐stage cluster sampling method. Demographic, dietary, lifestyle variables, personal and family medical history were collected using a questionnaire. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were taken. Body mass index was calculated. The 1‐h oral glucose tolerance test was carried out. Glycated hemoglobin, fasting and 1‐h plasma glucose were measured, and obtained values were used to define prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (dysglycemia). Logistic regression models were used for assessing the association between various factors and dysglycemia, and Hosmer–Lemeshow summary statistics were used to assess the goodness‐of‐fit. Results A total of 791 men and 612 women were included, of whom 69 were found to have diabetes, and 259 had prediabetes. The prevalence of dysglycemia was 23%, increasing with age, reaching 71% in adults aged ≥65 years. In univariate analysis age, body mass index, waist circumference, use of antihypertensive medication, history of hyperglycemia, low physical activity, short sleep and family history of diabetes were statistically significant. The final model for the Saudi Diabetes Risk Score constituted sex, age, waist circumference, history of hyperglycemia and family history of diabetes, with the score ranging from 0 to 15. Its fit based on assessment using the receiver operating characteristic curve was good, with an area under the curve of 0.76 (95% confidence interval 0.73–0.79). The proposed cut‐point for dysglycemia is 5 or 6, with sensitivity and specificity being approximately 0.7. Conclusion The Saudi Diabetes Risk Score is a simple tool that can effectively distinguish Saudis at high risk of dysglycemia. We aimed to develop a non‐ invasive risk score to identify Saudi individuals with prediabetes or undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Adult Saudis without diabetes were recruited randomly from the Saudi population. Various blood tests were used to define prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (dysglycemia). The final model for the Saudi Diabetes Risk Score constituted sex, age, waist circumference, history of hyperglycemia and family history of diabetes, with the score ranging from 0 to 15, and the cut‐point for dysglycemia being 5 or 6.

Population specific associations between cardiovascular disease with various risk factors including pre-hypertension and hypertension were reported. We aimed to investigate the association of higher than optimal blood pressure with measures of dysglycemia, dyslipidemia, and markers of inflammation in non-diabetic Saudi adults hoping to improve current Saudi guidelines to prevent cardiovascular disease. Volunteers were recruited randomly from public healthcare centers in Jeddah. Demographic information, blood pressure (BP), and anthropometric measurements were taken. Fasting blood samples were drawn, then again following 1-hour oral glucose tolerance test. Glycated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), lipid profile, highly sensitive C- reactive protein, gamma glutamyl transferase, and 1-hour plasma glucose were measured. Complete data was found for 742 men and 592 women. Pre-hypertension was found in 47.2% of men, and 24.7% of women, while 15.1% of men, and 14.6% of women were hypertensive. Means of measured variables differed significantly between normotensive, pre-hypertensive, and hypertensive groups of men and women in gender specific manner. Association between measured variables and elevated BP, and hypertension were assessed using logistic regression models. After adjustment for age, body mass index and waist circumference, elevated blood pressure was associated with elevated triglycerides in men, while hypertension was significantly associated with elevated fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein- cholesterol, and low high density lipoprotein- cholesterol in men, and elevated triglycerides, and total cholesterol in women. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to measure lipid profile, specifically TG, for all diagnosed pre-hypertensive and hypertensive patients in addition to FPG for men.