Association between family history of diabetes and cardiovascular disease and lifestyle risk factors in the United States population: The 2009-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

- Family history of diabetes and/or CVD is highly prevalent in the U.S. population.
- Family history was associated with a higher prevalence of smoking and obesity.
- Family history was not associated with dietary factors or physical activity.

Family history is a well-known risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and modification of lifestyle risk factors can significantly lessen such risk.Our aim was to assess the association between family history of diabetes and/or CVD and lifestyle behaviors and risk factors (smoking, low physical activity, excessive dietary sodium and cholesterol intake and obesity) in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults.We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2012. Family history, lifestyle behaviors and risk factors were defined using self-reported and physical examination data.The study sample included 10,988 participants with a mean age of 47 years. Among the U.S. adult population, 29.5%, 5.7% and 6.5% had a family history of diabetes, CVD and both diseases respectively. Compared to participants with no family history, participants with a family history of diabetes, CVD and both diabetes and CVD were more likely to be current smokers (OR = 1.18[95% CI, 1.03-1.35], OR = 1.68[95% CI, 1.31-2.17] and OR = 1.71[95% CI, 1.30-2.26] respectively). Participants with a family history of diabetes (OR = 1.42[95% CI, 1.26-1.61]) and both diabetes and CVD were more likely to be overweight/obese (OR = 2.06[95% CI, 1.57-2.69]). There was no association between family history and dietary factors or physical activity.In the U.S., there is a high prevalence of modifiable risk factors among persons with a family history of diabetes and/or CVD. Healthcare providers have a significant role to play in targeting these individuals for lifestyle changes.