Expert review of instruments for improving regular medical checkup program for patients with prediabetes: a cross-sectional survey study

BACKGROUND: Improving the regular medical checkup programme for patients with prediabetes is an integral part of the strategy to prevent the spread of diabetes mellitus and associated complications. This requires coordinated effort and an integrated approach, which has determined the design of this study.

AIM: To study the expert opinion on possible instruments for improving the regular medical checkup program for patients with prediabetes.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey, including the conceptual and methodology components, was conducted. The survey included 37 experts.

RESULTS: 81.1% of surveyed experts consider regular medical checkups appropriate for patients with a high and very high FINDRISC score (risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus). The majority of respondents (94.6%) supported managing modifiable risk factors (diet, physical activity, and quitting bad habits). However, the importance of psychoemotional aspects of eating (86.5%) is highlighted, which reflects the experts’ understanding of the role of psychological barriers in achieving consistent lifestyle and behavioral patern changes. The third most important area was the information and motivation strategies (78.4%), emphasizing the need for systematic patient education and the development of internal motivation for health-preserving behavior.

CONCLUSION: The recommended frequency of regular medical checkups (at least once a year) for patients with a high risk of carbohydrate disorders supported by expert opinion ensures optimal population coverage and increases the efficacy of the efforts to prevent prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus.