Abstract
To explore whether there are social inequalities in non-diabetic hyperglycaemia (NDH) and in transitions to type 2 diabetes mellitus and NDH low-risk status in England. Some 9143 men and women aged over 50 years were analysed from waves 2, 4, 6 and 8 (2004-2016) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Participants were categorized as: NDH 'low-risk' [HbA1c <42mmol/mol (<6.0%)], NDH [HbA1c 42-47mmol/mol (6.0-6.4%)] and type 2 diabetes [HbA1c >47mmol/mol (>6.4%)]. Logistic regression models estimated the association between sociodemographic characteristics and NDH, and the transitions from NDH to diagnosed or undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and low-risk status in future waves. NDH was more prevalent in older participants, those reporting a disability, those living in deprived areas and in more disadvantaged social classes. Older participants with NDH were less likely to progress to undiagnosed type 2 diabetes [odds ratio (OR) 0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08, 0.96]. NDH individuals with limiting long-standing illness (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.16, 2.53), who were economically inactive (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.02, 2.51) or from disadvantaged social classes (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.02, 2.61) were more likely to progress to type 2 diabetes. Socially disadvantaged individuals were less likely (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.41, 0.98) to progress to NDH low-risk status. There were socio-economic differences in NDH prevalence, transition to type 2 diabetes and transition to NDH low-risk status. Disparities in transitions included the greater likelihood of disadvantaged social groups with NDH developing type 2 diabetes and greater likelihood of advantaged social groups with NDH becoming low-risk. These socio-economic differences should be taken into account when targeting prevention initiatives.
Highlights
The number of adults with diabetes is increasing worldwide, due to both increasing prevalence within age groups and ageing populations [1]
non-diabetic hyperglycaemia (NDH) was more prevalent in older participants, those reporting a disability, those living in deprived areas and in more disadvantaged social classes
Older participants with NDH were less likely to progress to undiagnosed type 2 diabetes [odds ratio (OR) 0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08, 0.96]
Summary
The number of adults with diabetes is increasing worldwide, due to both increasing prevalence within age groups and ageing populations [1]. In the UK, increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus has been attributed in part to changes in the population age profile and increased life expectancy [2,3]. Various factors have been identified to explain the pathways between socio-economic differences in the onset of type 2 diabetes. Stress [8], unhealthy diet [9] and lack of physical activity [10] are some of the mechanisms through which socio-economic position influences the onset of type 2 diabetes
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