Objective: This study estimated the burden and characterised the risk factors associated with diabetes and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in an undiagnosed rural population.
Design: Data for 36 960 participants from the Henan Rural Cohort baseline with undiagnosed diabetes were analysed. X2 test and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to test for association between risk factors and diabetes and IFG.
Results: Women constituted 60.30% of the study participants, mean age of participants was 55.32±12.18 years, risk factors for diabetes and IFG were prevalent (75% dyslipidaemia, 57% overweight/obese, 50% central obesity and 18% metabolic syndrome). The prevalence of diabetes and IFG was 4.19% and 7.22%, respectively. Having a metabolic syndrome (adjusted OR (aOR) 4.7, 95% CI 4.27 to 5.33), dyslipidaemia (aOR 2.76, 95% CI 2.31 to 3.21), centrally obese (aOR 2.38, 95% CI 2.11 to 2.70), being overweight/obese (aOR 1.66, 95% CI 1.45 to 1.79) and a family history of diabetes (aOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.92) were associated with diabetes. These factors were also associated with IFG. Intake of high salt diet (aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.32) and smoking (aOR 1.22, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.47; significant in men) were also associated with diabetes. Engaging in moderate physical activity (aOR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.98) was noted to be negatively associated with diabetes.
Conclusion: Diabetes and IFG remain prevalent in Chinese population with obesity and dyslipidaemia being some of the most significant predictors. Regular physical activity and consumption of fruits and vegetables may be beneficial in keeping blood glucose level low.
Trial registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699.
Keywords: impaired fasting glucose; prediabetes; prevalence; risk factors; undiagnosed diabetes.
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