Abstract
AimTo evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in northeast area of China with a population-based study.MethodsA population of 3173 (aged from 20 to 80 years old) was stratified by geographical location and age in Liaoning province, China. Prediabetes and diabetes were diagnosed according to the guideline of American Diabetes Association. Retinal photographs were obtained by using digital non-mydriatic camera for the presence and grading of DR according to the modified ETDRS Airlie house classification. Blood samples and comprehensive questionnaires were obtained for evaluation of laboratory results and risk factors.ResultsThe prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes was 20.7% and 10.4%, respectively. Among diabetes patients, DR prevalence was 11.9%. Age, obesity, total cholesterol, triglycerides, hypertension, living in rural areas and diabetes family history are all risk factors for prediabetes and diabetes. Waist-to-hip circumference rate served as a better obesity index to estimate diabetes risk compared with body mass index and waist circumference. Among all risk factors that we investigated, only the length of diabetes history was associated with the incidence of DR. However, DR prevalence in the newly discovered patients in rural areas was significantly higher than that in urban areas.ConclusionAccording to this study, 1 in 10 people has diabetes, 2 in 10 people have prediabetes, and 1 in 10 diabetics has DR in Liaoning province. In rural areas, diabetes was poorly recognized with limited medical resources, which probably resulted in more diabetes patient at a high risk of DR.
Highlights
The prevalence of diabetes has increased worldwide, especially in the Asia Pacific region and China [1, 2]
Waist-to-hip circumference rate served as a better obesity index to estimate diabetes risk compared with body mass index and waist circumference
Among all risk factors that we investigated, only the length of diabetes history was associated with the incidence of diabetic retinopathy (DR)
Summary
The prevalence of diabetes has increased worldwide, especially in the Asia Pacific region and China [1, 2]. It is estimated that there will be 380 million people with type 2 diabetes and 418 million people with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) by the year of 2025 worldwide [3]. Though numerous studies have been conducted to analyze risk factors and predictors of diabetes for the disease control, the undergoing increase of diabetes incidence still requires a better understanding of risk factors. Most studies on DR were hospital based, leading to estimation bias on the incidence and risk factors of DR in general population. In the present study, we conducted a population-based study in Northeast China to provide an estimate on prevalence of diabetes and DR in this region and a better understanding of related risk factors
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