Prevalence and risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Chinese adult population: The InterASIA Study

AimsTo estimate the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and identify the potential risk factors of T2DM in Chinese adults.MethodsA nationally representative sample of 15,236 Chinese adults aged 35–74 years was selected by 4-stage random stratified sampling in 2000–2001 for present study.ResultsThe prevalence of T2DM in Chinese adults aged 35–74 years was 5.49% (it was 2.51% in China, 1994). The odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence interval [CI]) for developing T2DM were 2.14 (1.08–4.22) for family history of diabetes, 3.90 (1.39–10.94) for waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (0.83–0.91 vs. <0.83), 4.82 (1.43–16.28) for WHR (≥0.92 vs. <0.83), and 3.14 (1.42–6.92) for triglycerides (TG) level (≥200 mg/dl vs. <150 mg/dl) among men but 2.74 (1.14–6.62) for family history of diabetes, 1.92 (1.04–3.56) for hypertension, 3.37 (1.67–6.77) for TG level (150–199 mg/dl vs. <150 mg/dl), and 3.79 (1.62–8.91) for TG level (≥200 mg/dl vs. <150 mg/dl) among women.ConclusionsThe prevalence of T2DM in Chinese adults has increased as compared with previous data for China. An effective intervention program regarding T2DM should focus on lifestyle modification and weight reduction.