The burden of diabetes and impaired fasting glucose in India using the ADA 1997 criteria: prevalence of diabetes in India study (PODIS)

This random multistage cross sectional population survey was undertaken to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and impaired fasting glycemia/glucose (IFG) in subjects aged 25 years and above in India. The study was carried out in 108 centers (49 urban and 59 rural) to reflect the size and heterogeneity of the Indian population. 41,270 (20,534 males and 20,736 females) subjects were studied. 21,516 (10,865 males and 10,651 females) were from urban areas and 19,754 (9669 males and 10,085 females) from rural areas. Blood samples were taken after a fast of 10-12h and the subjects were categorized as having IFG or DM using the 1997 American Diabetes Association criteria. The age and gender standardized prevalence rate for DM and IFG in the total Indian population was 3.3 and 3.6% respectively (P < 0.001). The standardized prevalence of DM and IFG in urban areas was significantly higher than that for the rural population (urban DM prevalence 4.6% versus rural DM prevalence 1.9%, P < 0.001; urban IFG prevalence 4.8% versus rural IFG prevalence 2.5%, P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence between DM (4.6%) and IFG (4.8%) in the urban population. The rural prevalence of IFG (2.5%) was significantly (P <0.001) more than the rural prevalence of DM (1.9%). Type 2 diabetes is a major health problem is India.     

High prevalence of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance in India: National Urban Diabetes Survey

Aims/hypothesis: There has been no reported national survey of diabetes in India in the last three decades, although several regional studies show a rising prevalence of diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance in six major cities, covering all the regions of the country. Methods: Using a stratified random sampling method, 11 216 subjects (5288 men; 5928 women) aged 20 years or above, representative of all socio-economic strata, were tested by OGTT. Demographic, anthropometric, educational and social details were recorded using a standard proforma. Physical activity was categorised using a scoring system. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were calculated. Glucose tolerance was classified using the 2-h values (WHO criteria). Prevalence estimations were made taking into account the stratified sampling procedure. Group comparisons were done by t-test or analysis of variance or Z-test as relevant. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to study the association of variables with diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance. Results: Age standardised prevalences of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance were 12.1 % and 14.0 % respectively, with no gender difference. Diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance showed increasing trend with age. Subjects under 40 years of age had a higher prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance than diabetes (12.8 % vs 4.6 %, p < 0.0001). Diabetes showed a positive and independent association with age, BMI, WHR, family history of diabetes, monthly income and sedentary physical activity. Age, BMI and family history of diabetes showed associations with impaired glucose tolerance. Conclusions/interpretation: This national study shows that the prevalence of diabetes is high in urban India. There is a large pool of subjects with impaired glucose tolerance at a high risk of conversion to diabetes. [Diabetologia (2001) 44: 1094–1101] Received: 14 February 2001 and in revised form: 30 March 2001     

Undiagnosed diabetes and impaired glucose regulation in adult Ghanaians using the ADA and WHO diagnostic criteria

Fasting glucose and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) criteria for glucose homeostasis were compared in a cross-sectional cluster, community study in Accra, Ghana. A total of 4636 subjects without prior diagnosis of diabetes had fasting plasma glucose, 2-hour OGTT and measurement of cardiovascular risk factors. Mean age of subjects was 44.2 years; 39.1% of subjects were males. The overall prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes ascertained with both criteria was 4.5% (n=209). The prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes by fasting (3,2%) and OGTT (3.1%) criteria were similar (p>0.05). The prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) (15.8%) was higher than that of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) (10.7%). Only 56.5% (n=83) of subjects with diabetes by fasting criteria also had diabetes by OGTT criteria. Sixty-two subjects (42.8%) with diabetes by OGTT had normal or impaired fasting glucose. There was poor agreement between the two diagnostic criteria (kappa=0.31). The concordant normoglycaemic group was the youngest and had the lowest body-mass indey (BMI), waist girth, waist-hip ratio (WHR), total cholesterol, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The concordant diabetic group, in contrast, had the highest BMI, waist girth, WHR, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Both systems gave similar undiagnosed diabetes rates bur dissimilar IFG and IGT rates. There was poor agreement between the two diagnostic criteria. Diagnostic criteria influenced cardiovascular risk factors. A case may be made for using both criteria in order to ascertain all “diabetes” and all “at-risk” subjects. Received: 4 January 2001 / Accepted in revised form: 18 January 2002     

Temporal changes in prevalence of type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance in urban southern India

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is increasing in urban areas of developing countries, especially in India. This is a report of the temporal changes in the prevalence of diabetes and IGT in urban areas of Chennai (Madras), India, in adults aged > or =20 years, with an emphasis on identifying the risk factors responsible for the changes. Three urban diabetic surveys conducted in 1989, 1995 and 2000 were compared for the age-standardized prevalence, anthropometric, demographic and lifestyle characteristics of the glucose-intolerant groups. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used for the identification of risk variables associated with diabetes and IGT. The trend was statistically significant for diabetes (chi(2)=18.0, P<0.001) and for IGT (chi(2)=48.2, P<0.001). The period between 1989 and 1995 showed a 40% rise in the prevalence of diabetes and a further increase of 16.4% in the next 5 years. Age increased in each survey for both genders. Waist girth and waist:hip ratio were significantly higher in women, in the 2000 survey. There was no change in the mean body mass index with time in both genders. An increase in IGT was seen in year 2000, especially so in subjects aged <40 years. The prevalence of diabetes and IGT is increasing in India. Increasing age and positive family history showed associations with diabetes.     

Reproducibility of diabetes mellitus diagnosis (WHO 1999 criteria) in women

Abstract. Reproducibility of diabetes mellitus (DM) diagnosis has been recognized as non-optimal and a few studies have analyzed its reproducibility using new diagnostic criteria. Our aim was to evaluate the reproducibility of WHO 1999 criteria for DM diagnosis in women. A total of 696 caucasian women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) underwent an OGTT at a median of 6.2 years (interquartile range, 0.5–7.3) after delivery. When OGTT was diagnostic of DM, a second test was scheduled and performed after a median of 3 months (interquartile range, 1.6–10.6). At the second test, 35 women were diagnosed with DM (12 by fasting plasma glucose (FPG) alone, 10 by isolated post-challenge hyperglycemia (IPH), 10 by fasting and 2-h plasma glucose, 3 by symptoms of hyperglycemia plus measurement of plasma glucose). DM was confirmed in 56.3% of women diagnosed without symptoms. In this subgroup, reproducibility according to the abnormality at the first test was: 33.3% in those diagnosed by FPG alone, 40% in those diagnosed by IPH, and 100% in those diagnosed by both fasting and 2-h plasma glucose (p<0.05 vs. the two previous groups). In women with former GDM, the reproducibility of DM diagnosis by FPG alone or IPH is similar and lower than the diagnosis made by abnormality in both values.     

Temporal changes in prevalence of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance associated with lifestyle transition occurring in the rural population in India

Aims/hypothesis The rural Indian population is undergoing lifestyle transition due to socio-economic growth. This study was done to determine the temporal changes in prevalence of diabetes and IGT that could have occurred in a rural population in India as a result of the lifestyle transition.Methods A cross-sectional study of 1213 Asian-Indian subjects aged 20 years or over was done to look for the prevalence of diabetes and IGT using the 1999 WHO criteria. The temporal changes were assessed in comparison with a similar study conducted 14 years previously. The factors associated with the temporal changes were also analysed.Results Nearly a three-fold increase in age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of diabetes (from 2.20% to 6.36%) was seen in 2003 when compared with a similar study done 14 years before. Prevalence of IGT did not change significantly (7.44% in 1989 vs 7.18% in 2003). Improvement in living conditions had occurred during the period, occupational changes were seen, the number of manual labourers had decreased and economic conditions had improved. BMI and waist circumference had increased. After correcting for age, sex and differences in time periods, waist circumference and physical inactivity showed significant associations with the increased prevalence of diabetes.Conclusions/interpretation Demographic transition due to improved living conditions in rural India was associated with a three-fold increase in the prevalence of diabetes. Increased upper body adiposity and physical inactivity showed significant association with this phenomenon.     

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance in melanesians and part-polynesians in Rural New Caledonia and ouvea (Loyalty Islands)

Summary The study of different ethnic groups living in the same physical environment provides the opportunity to examine interaction of genetic and environmental factors in the aetiology of diabetes mellitus. In rural New Caledonia, the prevalence of diabetes was higher in part-Polynesians than in Melanesians: males — 6.6 versus 0.5%; females — 6.3 versus 3.5% respectively. The prevalence of abnormal glucose tolerance (impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes) was 11.5 and 15.7% in part-Polynesian males and females, respectively, and 4.7 and 9.2% in Melanesian males and females. Mean age and degree of obesity in these ethnic groups were sufficiently similar to suggest that these factors played no significant role in the difference in diabetes prevalence. Furthermore, adjustment of relative risk of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes for age and obesity indicated that the modest differences between groups were not responsible for the observed variation in diabetes prevalence. The differences in prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes between Melanesians and part-Polynesians may be genetically determined, although the role of certain environmental factors other than obesity, e.g. differences in physical activity or qualitative aspects of diet, cannot be excluded.     

Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India (DIPSI) and WHO (1999) diagnostic criteria for GDM: A meta-analysis

Background and aimsThe diagnosis of Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is challenging and controversial due to the heterogeneity or lack of consensus regarding the screening and diagnostic criteria for GDM.MethodsA meta-analysis of studies comparing Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India (DIPSI) and WHO 1999 for diagnosing GDM was carried out.ResultsA total of 6 comparative studies were included. Pooled analysis showed sensitivity and specificity as 0.79 (95% CI: 0.53 to 0.92) and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.94 to 0.98) respectively.ConclusionBased on the results of the meta-analysis, DIPSI showed higher specificity when compared to WHO 1999, hence may be used to rule in disease in probable GDM cases. However, the results should be interpreted more cautiously and carefully since only a few studies were included.     

A longitudinal study of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus in the aged

This longitudinal study of glucose tolerance in the residents of a Jewish home for the aged (JHA) is now in its 25th year. Of 1,177 supposedly nondiabetic persons screened on admission from 1965 to 1986, 22.5% had impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), reflecting its undiagnosed prevalence among the Jewish elderly in the community. The incidence of IGT was lower in 1969-1973, when the average age on admission was 77 years, than in 1982-1986, when the average age was 83.5 years. However, aging was not the only factor affecting glucose tolerance (GT). The rise in the residents' age in the last 10 years was not accompanied by an increased rate of deterioration of GT in the annual screenings of 1970-1984, suggesting that there was a delay in the effect of age on IGT and diabetes mellitus (DM). This was attributed mainly to the multimodal antidiabetic regimen (ADR) prevailing in the JHA in those years. Relaxation of this regimen was associated with a marked increase in the incidence of IGT and DM in the screenings of 1985-1987. When 25 newly diagnosed diabetics were put on a diabetic diet, 60% had normal or improved glucose tolerance tests (GTT) one to five years later. By contrast, in over half of the 80 residents whose first GTT did not indicate diabetes and whose diet was not as strictly controlled, the repeat GTT showed deterioration and was diabetic in 31%. Conclusions: Screening led to early diagnosis and institution of antidiabetic measures, probably avoiding or postponing the need for antidiabetic medication with its risk of iatrogenic hypoglycemia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance among 60-year-old Danes.

AIMS: The age-specific prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was estimated in 60-year-old individuals in 1996/97 and compared to the prevalence in 1974/75. The study also examined whether or not the change in prevalence of diabetes and IGT could be explained by changes in body mass index (BMI) and physical activity. METHODS: Diabetes and IGT were diagnosed by a standardized oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in two Danish population-based, age-specific, birth cohorts. RESULTS: The prevalence of diabetes in 1996/97 was 12.3% among 60-year-old men and 6.8% among women, representing an increase in diabetes of 58% in men and 21% in women compared to 1974/75. The prevalence of IGT was 15.9% among men and 13.1% among women, representing increases of 109 and 16%, respectively. A concurrent increase in BMI in the 22-year period between the two studies explained the increase found in the prevalence of diabetes and IGT. CONCLUSIONS: A marked increase in the prevalence of diabetes and IGT among 60-year-old individuals over a 22-year period was observed - especially in men. The increase was fully explained by a concurrent increase in BMI.     

Worsening to diabetes in men with impaired glucose tolerance (“borderline diabetes”)

Summary Two hundred and four men with impaired glucose tolerance (borderline diabetes) discovered in a screening examination have been observed for five years and repeated tests of glucose tolerance performed. By pre-determined criteria 27 men worsened to diabetes and this metabolic deterioration was not significantly influenced by treatment with carbohydrate restriction with or without a daily dose of 50 mg phenformin. Of the baseline variables measured prior to treatment allocation only the blood glucose values were significantly predictive of ultimate worsening to diabetes.     

The prevalence of retinopathy in impaired glucose tolerance and recent‐onset diabetes in the Diabetes Prevention Program

Aims Retinopathy is considered the complication most closely associated with and characteristic of diabetes mellitus. Hyperglycaemia below levels diagnostic of diabetes, so called pre‐diabetes, is associated with a low prevalence of ‘diabetic’ retinopathy. However, few longitudinal studies of non‐diabetic populations have performed repeated measures of glycaemia and screened for retinopathy to determine its occurrence in the non‐diabetic population and the onset of retinopathy in new‐onset diabetic patients. We determined the prevalence of retinopathy characteristically seen in diabetes in persons with impaired glucose tolerance and in patients with new‐onset diabetes of known duration in the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) cohort. Methods The DPP recruited persons with elevated fasting glucose (5.3–6.9 mmol/l) and impaired glucose tolerance, and no history of diagnosed diabetes, other than gestational diabetes not persisting after pregnancy. Seven‐field, stereoscopic fundus photography was completed a mean of 3.1 years after the development of diabetes in 594 of 878 participants who had developed diabetes during the DPP, and in a random sample of 302 participants who remained non‐diabetic. Results Retinopathy consistent with diabetic retinopathy was detected in 12.6 and 7.9% of the diabetic and non‐diabetic participants, respectively (P = 0.03, comparing prevalence in the two groups). Systolic blood pressure and HbA_1c were higher at baseline in the diabetic participants who had retinopathy compared with the diabetic participants without retinopathy. Conclusions Retinopathy characteristic of diabetes is present in persons with elevated fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance and no known history of diabetes. The prevalence of retinopathy is significantly higher in persons who develop diabetes, even within 3 years of diagnosis.     

A high prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance in the Danagla community in Northern Sudan

The prevalence and associated factors of diabetes mellitus (DM) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) were studied in a tribal community with an apparently high diabetes prevalence. A sample of 724 subjects aged ≥ 25 years was selected using a multi-stage cluster method and underwent a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. The crude prevalence of DM and IGT were 8.3 % (men 9.9 %; women 7.5 %) and 7.9 % (men 4.1 %; women 9.7 %), respectively. Age-adjusted prevalence rates, according to the standard population of Segi, were 10.4 % (95 % CI 7.7–13.2) and 9.8 % (95% CI 7.2–12.5) for DM and IGT, respectively. No urban/rural differences were found in the prevalence rates of DM and IGT. New cases (5.1%) were almost twice as common as previously known cases (3.2 %). Family history of diabetes, obesity, and advanced age were associated with higher rates of diabetes. The results confirmed that diabetes is common in the Danagla community compared to other communities of northern Sudan. Varying environmental, nutritional, and genetic factors may contribute to this high prevalence. These findings will have profound impact on the health services for this community and the Sudan as a whole. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Comparing the ADA 1997 and the WHO 1999 criteria: Prevalence of Diabetes in India Study

This random multistage cross-sectional population survey was undertaken to determine the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in subjects aged 25 years and above in India. The study was carried out in 77 centres (42 urban and 35 rural) to reflect the size and heterogeneity of the Indian population. 18,363 (9008 male and 9355 female) subjects were studied. 10,617 (5379 males and 5238 females) were from urban areas and 7746 (3629 males and 4117 females) from rural areas. Blood samples were taken after a fast of 10-12 and 2 h after 75 g of oral glucose. Subjects were categorized as having impaired fasting glycemia (IFG) or DM using the 1997 ADA or having impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or DM using the 1999 WHO criteria. The age- and gender-standardized prevalence rate for DM using the ADA criteria was 3.6% whilst that using the WHO criteria was 4.3% (P < 0.001). The respective standardized prevalence of DM, using the two criteria was, 4.7 and 5.6%, respectively (P < 0.001) in the urban Indian population and 2.0 and 2.7% (P < 0.02) in the rural Indian population. Using the WHO criteria, 581 subjects were newly diagnosed whilst the ADA criteria newly diagnosed 437 subjects. The respective numbers for the urban population were 425 and 323, and for the rural population were 146 and 114, respectively. The ADA criteria could diagnose 75.2, 76.0 and 73.0% of the subjects who had DM as per the WHO criteria. Of 739 Indian subjects who had IFG, 106 (14.3%) were diagnosed as having DM by the WHO criteria whilst 505 (68.3%) had values compatible with a diagnosis of IGT. Of the 536 urban subjects with IFG, 74 (13.8%) had DM and 350 (65.3%) had IGT using the WHO criteria. Of the 302 rural subjects with IFG, 32 (15.8%) had DM and 155 (76.3%) had IGT using the WHO criteria. 505 (49.9%) of 1012 Indian subjects with IGT as per the WHO criteria had IFG. 350 (47.7%) of 733 urban subjects and 155 (55.5%) of 279 rural subjects with IGT had values compatible with IFG as per the ADA criteria. Type 2 diabetes is a major health problem is India. The use of the ADA criteria would underestimate the prevalence of DM by not diagnosing subjects showing a poor response to a glucose challenge. This along with the discrepancies between subjects showing IGF or IGT could be a challenge to any prevention program.     

Diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance in Aboriginal Australians: prevalence and risk

The prevalence and risk of having impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and diabetes was estimated relative to body mass index (BMI) among Australian Aboriginal people. A stratified analysis was undertaken of community screening data. Measures included fasting and 2-h glucose concentrations, and BMI (five strata: <22, 22-24.9, 25-29.9, 30-34.9 and >/=35 kg/m(2)). Age was stratified into three groups: 15-34.9, 35-44.9, and >/=45 years. Participants were men and women, ages 15-94 years (n=2626). The prevalence of IGT and diabetes, respectively, adjusted for age and BMI, was 139 and 142 cases/1000 persons among men, and 157 and 152 cases/1000 persons among women. Odds ratios (95% CI) for IGT and diabetes for increasing BMI strata >/=22 kg/m(2) ranged from 1.7 (1.0 to 2.9) to 5.1 (2.4-10.5) for IGT, and from 2.0 (1.2-3.5) to 6.1 (3.3-11.1) for diabetes. For IGT and diabetes, across genders, the population attributable risk percentages (95% CI) for BMI >/=22 kg/m(2) were 34.1% (26.2-41.9%) for IGT, and 46.4% (38.5-54.5%) for diabetes. Diabetes and IGT have reached epidemic proportions among Australian Aboriginal people. An urgent need exists for programmes to reduce the prevalence of diabetes risk factors, especially BMI of 22 kg/m(2) or more, a limit lower than advocated for Euro-American populations.     

Short-term reproducibility of impaired fasting glycaemia, impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes The ADDITION study, DK

We evaluated variations in glucose measurements and the reproducibility of glucose tolerance classification in a high-risk screening setting in general practice. Screening for diabetes was performed in persons aged 40-69 years. Based on capillary fasting (FBG) and 2-h blood glucose (2 hBG) individuals with impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and diabetes had a second test done after 14 days. Intra-individual coefficients of variation (CV) were estimated in each glucose tolerance class using the approximation CV(2)(x)=var(ln(x)). Bland-Altman plots with limits of agreement were made. In the total population, the CV(intra) was 7.9% and 13.8% for FBG and 2 hBG, respectively. Limits of agreement ranged from -1.15 to 1.67 mmol/l for FBG and from - 2.62 to 3.27 mmol/l for 2 hBG. One individual with IFG and 22.5% with IGT had diabetes at the second test, 76.1% with diabetes had this diagnosis confirmed, and about 30% with IFG and IGT had normal glucose tolerance at the second test. The expected values of repeated capillary blood glucose measurements were about+/-1 and+/-3 mmol/l for FBG and 2 hBG, respectively. Yet, 70% of high-risk prediabetic individuals were persistently classified with abnormal glucose regulation; diabetes was confirmed in 76% of the cases.     

Reversal of diuretic-associated impaired glucose tolerance and new-onset diabetes: results of the STAR-LET study

Reversal of new-onset diabetes secondary to thiazide diuretic use remains questionable. STAR-LET was a 6-month extension of the Study of Trandolapril/Verapamil SR and Insulin Resistance (STAR), which assessed the effects of a fixed-dose renin-angiotensin system inhibitor (RASI)/hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) combination on changes in 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results. STAR-LET explored whether the glycemic impact of HCTZ could be reversed by conversion to a RASI/verapamil combination. The primary outcome was change in 2-hour OGTT results. Fifty-one percent of the STAR patients were enrolled in STAR-LET. The 2-hour OGTT value (mmol/L) was unchanged from STAR baseline in the RASI/verapamil group (7.7+/-2.4 vs 8.1+/-3.3; P=.18) and improved in those who were switched from RASI/HCTZ to RASI/verapamil (8.5+/-3.0 vs 7.2+/-2.3; P<.001). This exploratory study suggests that the impairment in glycemic control seen with use of a thiazide diuretic combined with a RASI can be reversed by switching to a regimen that does not include a diuretic.     

Prevalence of Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance in the Japanese general population: the Hisayama study

Summary We determined the population-based prevalence of diabetes mellitus in members of the Japanese community, Hisayama aged 40–79 years old by a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. The basic population used to calculate diabetic prevalence was 1,077 men (72.8% of the whole population in the same age range) and 1,413 women (80.8%) including ten diabetic patients on insulin therapy. In addition, we compared the prevalence of history of diabetes which was acquired by interview or questionnaire, between participants and non-participants in the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test, but they were not statistically different. The age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes to world population was 12.7% for men and 8.4% for women, and that of impaired glucose tolerance was 19.6% for men and 18.4% for women. These figures were much higher than those previously reported from several Japanese communities. The results obtained from the present study could reveal true prevalence of diabetes among the Japanese population. In addition, the reasons for the increasing prevalence of diabetes among the recent Japanese population are also discussed.