The association of age, gender, ethnicity, family history, obesity and hypertension with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Trinidad

AimsTo assess the impact of risk factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, family history, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and hypertension, on the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Trinidadian population.Materials and MethodsA cross-sectional case control study comprised 146 non-diabetics and 147 type 2 diabetics ≥18 years of age, from North Central, South West and Eastern regions of Trinidad.ResultsCross-tabulations revealed a significant difference between type 2-diabetes and age at p < 0.01, and between type 2 diabetes and family history, ethnicity, waist circumference and hypertension at p < 0.05. Logistic regression showed age to be the most influential risk factor. The systolic blood pressure specifically showed a significant difference at p < 0.05, with the mean values for non-diabetics and type 2 diabetics being, 130.62 (±2.124) and 141.35 (±2.312), respectively. No significant difference was observed between type 2 diabetes and gender and BMI.ConclusionsAge was the most significant risk factor of type 2 diabetes. Therefore it can be concluded that family history, ethnicity, waist circumference and hypertension are more significant risk factors of this disease than BMI and gender in the Trinidadian population.