Diabetes Epidemic Growing

Prevalence of diabetes among US adults has grown by 45% over the past 20 years….

A recent study conducted by Yiling Cheng and colleagues sought to decipher the reality behind the diabetes epidemic. Their findings showed that, over the past 20 years, the prevalence of diabetes among US adults has grown by 45%.

The study included 22,586 adults from three periods (1988-1994, 1999-2004, and 2005-2010) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Study participants were separated into age groups including younger adults (20-34), middle-aged adults (35-64), and older adults (>/ 65).

The present study included all adults from NHANES data with self-reported diagnosed diabetes based on home interviews, and adults without diagnosed diabetes selected for medical examination via mobile centers.

Exclusion criteria for adults without diagnosed diabetes included pregnant women (n=637), those without a FPG level (n=705), and those without an HbA1c value (n=44). The final analysis included 7,950 participants between 1988 and 1994, 6,756 participants between 1999 and 2004, and 7,880 participants between 2005 and 2010.

• Absolute Increase in diabetes prevalence was 1%, 2.7%, and 10% for younger, middle-aged, and older adults, respectively (all P<0.001)
• 2005-2010 v. 1988-1994: adjusted prevalence ratios were 2.3, 1.2, and 1.5 for younger, middle-aged, and older adults, respectively (all P<0.05)
• After adjustment for BMI, waist-to-height ratio, or waist circumference, the adjusted prevalence ratios only remained statistically significant for adults >/ 65 years of age.

Limitations to this study include that it was a cross-sectional study and did not distinguish between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Also it relied on one time measurements to establish undiagnosed diabetes.

Despite limitations, Yiling J Cheng reports, "We provide…solid evidence that there is a severe epidemic of diabetes" and "the magnitude of the increase [was] significant and worrisome."

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23637348 Published online before print May 1, 2013, doi: 10.2337/dc12-2074.Diabetes Care May 1, 2013