FINDRISK and occupation: need of prevention of diabetes type 2 at the workplace

Abstract

Abstract Background Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for atherosclerosis, cardiovascular morbidity and increased mortality. Identifying people at a high risk of developing diabetes determine the prognosis and quality of life of the patients and prevent the development of macrovascular complications of diabetes. Within the framework of an international project, the ten-year risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus in two age groups workers (up to 25 and over 55) of four economic sectors (construction, clothing, hairdressing and cosmetics, and healthcare) has been estimated. Methods The survey included 150 workers from four economic activities. The FINDRISK questionnaire was distributed among them. Plasma glucose and serum lipids (HDL, LDL, triglycerides) were analyzed. The statistical analysis of the results was done using SPSS 16. Results The mean FINDRISK score for the age group up to 25 years is 3.6 ± 3.8, and for respondents above 55 years - 10.1 ± 5.0. The analysis highlights the higher risk of developing diabetes among healthcare workers, where the score of older workers is 11.63 ± 6.61, as well as in the textile and clothing industry (11.17 ± 4.3). These results call attention to a potential link between the occupation and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in these sectors of the economy and the need for additional measures to search for causes and prevention. Conclusions A significant proportion of the participants over 55 years old in the healthcare and textile and clothing sectors are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which requires a change in lifestyle, as well as the identification of workplace hazards that lead to these results. The FINDRISK questionnaire can serve as an indirect assessment of the cardiovascular risk of older workers. Additional preventive measures are needed to limit the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus as well as cardiovascular risk in the identified risky occupations. Key messages Occupation could contribute to the life style risk factors for developing diabetes type 2. Occupational risk reduction measures and health promotion are needed to protects workers.