Prevalence of diabetes in a predominantly Asian community: preliminary findings of the Coventry diabetes study

The worldwide trend in diabetes awareness, treatment, and control from 1985 to 2022: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 233 population-representative studies

Background

With the rapid increase in the prevalence of DM, studies on the awareness, treatment, and control of this condition are essential. Therefore, this study aimed to review the literature and pool the awareness, treatment, and control of diabetes at the global, regional, and national levels.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, several databases, including MEDLINE/PubMed, Institute of Scientific Information (ISI), Scopus, and Google Scholar, were searched using appropriate keywords up to June 2022. Observational studies investigating the awareness, treatment, and control of glucose levels among diabetic individuals were included. Awareness, treatment, and control were defined as the proportion of participants who were aware of their diabetes condition, treated pharmacologically, and achieved adequate glucose control, respectively. Two investigators independently conducted the study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. Heterogeneity among studies was calculated using Chi-square, and a random-effect meta-analysis was used to pool the rates.

Results

A total of 233 studies published between 1985 and 2022 met the inclusion criteria. The included studies had a combined population of 12,537,968. The pooled awareness of DM was 60% (95%CI: 56-63) and ranged from 41% (25-57) in low-income countries to 68% (64-72) in high-income countries, with no significant trend observed over the assessed periods at the global level. The pooled treatment of DM globally was 45% (42-48) and varied from 37% (31-43) in lower-middle-income countries to 53% (47-59) in high-income countries, showing variation over the examined time period. Before 2000, the proportion of adequate DM control was 16% (12-20), which significantly improved and reached 22% (19-25) after 2010. The pooled awareness, treatment, and control of DM were higher in females, high-income countries, and urban areas compared to males, upper and lower-middle-income countries, and rural areas, respectively. The older adults population had higher awareness and treatment rates than the adult population, but their DM control did not differ significantly.

Conclusion

Despite the high level of awareness and treatment among the diabetic population, treatment success (control) is considerably low, particularly in low-income countries and rural areas. It is crucial to improve awareness, treatment, and control by strengthening the primary care system in all countries.

Racialized and Immigrant Status and the Pursuit of Living Donor Kidney Transplant - a Canadian Cohort Study

Introduction

Both immigrant and racialized status may be associated with the pursuit of living donor kidney transplant (LDKT).

Methods

This study was a secondary analysis of a convenience cross-sectional sample of patients with kidney failure in Toronto, obtained from our "Comprehensive Psychosocial Research Data System" research database. The exposures included racialized, immigrant, and combined immigrant and racialized status (White nonimmigrant, racialized nonimmigrant, White immigrant and racialized immigrant). Outcomes include the following: (i) having spoken about LDKT with others, (ii) having a potential living donor (LD) identified, (iii) having allowed others to share the need for LDKT, (iv) having directly asked a potential donor to be tested, and (v) accept a hypothetical LDKT offer. We assessed the association between exposure and outcomes using univariable, and multivariable binary or multinominal logistic regression (reference: White or White nonimmigrant participants).

Results

Of the 498 participants, 281 (56%) were immigrants; 142 (28%) were African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB); 123 (25%) were Asian; and 233 (47%) were White. Compared to White nonimmigrants, racialized immigrants (relative risk ratio [RRR]: 2.98; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.76-5.03) and racialized nonimmigrants (RRR: 2.84; 95% CI: 1.22-6.65) were more likely not to have spoken about LDKT with others (vs. having spoken or planning to do so). Both racialized immigrant (odds ratio [OR]: 4.07; 95% CI: 2.50-6.34), racialized nonimmigrants (OR: 2.68; 95% CI: 1.31-5.51) and White immigrants (OR: 2.68; 95% CI: 1.43-5.05) were more likely not to have a potential LD identified.

Conclusion

Both racialized and immigrant status are associated with less readiness to pursue LDKT. Supporting patients to communicate their need for LDKT may improve equitable access to LDKT.

Diabetes risk during pregnancy among second-generation immigrants: A national cohort study in Sweden

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Gestational diabetes is more common in many first-generation immigrant women in Europe and other Western countries. Less is known about second-generation immigrant women; such knowledge is needed to understand generational influences on diabetes risk. We aimed to study second-generation immigrant women regarding the presence of all types of diabetes during pregnancy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A cohort study was conducted using the Swedish National Birth Register, the National Patient Register, and the Total Population Register. We used Cox regression analysis to compute hazard ratios (HRs) and 99% confidence intervals (99% CI) for any diabetes during pregnancy and specific subtypes (gestational diabetes, pre-existing diabetes type 1, pre-existing diabetes type 2) in second-generation immigrant women compared with Swedish-born women with two Swedish-born parents while adjusting for sociodemographic factors, family history of diabetes, body mass index, smoking habits, and comorbidities. The study population included a total of 989,986 deliveries and 17,938 diabetes cases. The fully adjusted HR (with 99% CI) for any type of diabetes during pregnancy among second-generation immigrant women was 1.11 (1.05-1.18). Higher risks were found in women with parents from Africa, Asia, or Eastern Europe, as well as Denmark. A lower risk for pre-existing type 1 diabetes was found overall and for women with parents from most geographic regions.

CONCLUSION

In this national cohort study, the risk of all types of diabetes during pregnancy was increased in second-generation immigrant women. Diabetes prevention and treatment is especially important in these women both before and during pregnancy.

Association of risk factors with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review

Diabetes is the leading cause of severe health complications and one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide. To date, diabetes has no cure, and therefore, it is necessary to take precautionary measures to avoid its occurrence. The main aim of this systematic review is to identify the majority of the risk factors for the incidence/prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus on one hand, and to give a critical analysis of the cohort/cross-sectional studies which examine the impact of the association of risk factors on diabetes. Consequently, we provide insights on risk factors whose interactions are major players in developing diabetes. We conclude with recommendations to allied health professionals, individuals and government institutions to support better diagnosis and prognosis of the disease.

Genetic and Non-genetic Determinants of Cardiovascular Disease in South Asians

South Asians (SAs), people from the Indian subcontinent (e.g., India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal) have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and suffer from a greater risk of CVD-associated mortality compared to other global populations. These problems are compounded by the alterations in lifestyles due to urbanization and changing cultural, social, economic, and political environments. Current methods of CV risk prediction are based on white populations that under-estimate the CVD risk in SAs. Prospective studies are required to obtain actual CVD morbidity/mortality rates so that comparisons between predicted CVD risk can be made with actual events. Overwhelming data support a strong influence of genetic factors. Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) serve as a starting point for future genetic and functional studies since the mechanisms of action by which these associated loci influence CVD is still unclear. It is difficult to predict the potential implication of these findings in clinical settings. This review provides a systematic assessment of the risk factors, genetics, and environmental causes of CV health disparity in SAs, and highlights progress made in clinical and genomics discoveries in the rapidly evolving field, which has the potential to show clinical relevance in the near future.

Association between pulmonary function and renal function: findings from China and Australia

Background

The relationship between obstructive lung function and impaired renal function is unclear. This study investigated the dose-response relationship between obstructive lung function and impaired renal function.

Methods

Two independent cross-sectional studies with representative sampling were applied. 1454 adults from rural Victoria, Australia (1298 with normal renal function, 156 with impaired renal function) and 5824 adults from Nanjing, China (4313 with normal renal function, 1511 with impaired renal function). Pulmonary function measurements included forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and impaired renal function marked by eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73m² were used as outcome.

Results

eGFR increased linearly with FEV1 in Chinese participants and with FVC in Australians. A non-linear relationship with peaked eGFR was found for FEV1 at 2.65 L among Australians and for FVC at 2.78 L among Chinese participants, respectively. A non-linear relationship with peaked eGFR was found for the predicted percentage value of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (PFEV1) at 81–82% and for the predicted percentage value of forced vital capacity (PFVC) at 83–84% among both Chinese and Australian participants, respectively.

The non-linear dose-response relationships between lung capacity measurements (both for FEV1 and FVC) and risk of impaired renal function were consistently identified in both Chinese and Australian participants. An increased risk of impaired renal function was found below 3.05 L both for FEV1 and FVC, respectively. The non-linear relationship between PFEV and PVC and the risk of impaired renal function were consistently identified in both Chinese and Australian participants. An increased risk of impaired renal function was found below 76–77% for PFEV1 and 79–80% for PFVC, respectively.

Conclusions

In both Australian and Chinese populations, the risk of impaired renal function increased both with FEV1 and FVC below 3.05 L, with PFEV1 below 76–77% or with PFVC below 79–80%, respectively. Obstructive lung function was associated with increased risk of reduced renal function. The screen for impaired renal function in patients with obstructive lung disease might be useful to ensure there was no impaired renal function before the commencement of potentially nephrotoxic medication where indicated (eg diuretics).

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12882-017-0565-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Barriers and Facilitators to Healthy Lifestyle Changes in Minority Ethnic Populations in the UK: a Narrative Review

Minority ethnic populations experience a disproportionate burden of health inequalities compared with the rest of the population, including an increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The purpose of this narrative review was to explore knowledge and attitudes around diabetes, physical activity and diet and identify barriers and facilitators to healthy lifestyle changes in minority ethnic populations in the UK. The narrative review focused on three key research topics in relation to barriers and facilitators to healthy lifestyle changes in minority adult ethnic populations: (i) knowledge and attitudes about diabetes risk; (ii) current behaviours and knowledge about physical activity and diet; and (iii) barriers and facilitators to living a healthier lifestyle. Nearly all of the studies that we identified reported on South Asian minority ethnic populations; we found very few studies on other minority ethnic populations. Among South Asian communities, there was generally a good understanding of diabetes and its associated risk factors. However, knowledge about the levels of physical activity required to gain health benefits was relatively poor and eating patterns varied. Barriers to healthy lifestyle changes identified included language barriers, prioritising work over physical activity to provide for the family, cultural barriers with regard to serving and eating traditional food, different perceptions of a healthy body weight and fear of racial harassment or abuse when exercising. Additional barriers for South Asian women included expectations to remain in the home, fear for personal safety, lack of same gender venues and concerns over the acceptability of wearing ‘western’ exercise clothing. Facilitators included concern that weight gain might compromise family/carer responsibilities, desire to be healthy, T2DM diagnosis and exercise classes held in ‘safe’ environments such as places of worship. Our findings suggest that South Asian communities are less likely to engage in physical activity than White populations and highlight the need for health promotion strategies to engage people in these communities. There is a gap in knowledge with regard to diabetes, physical activity, diet and barriers to healthy lifestyle changes among other ethnic minority populations in the UK; we recommend further research in this area.

Stroke recurrence among South Asians with diabetes in Ontario, Canada

Background South Asians have more vascular risk factors, earlier cardiovascular disease onset, and higher stroke mortality than non-South Asians. However, ethnic differences in long-term outcomes post-stroke in diabetics are unclear. Aims We compared cardiovascular outcome risk after first ischemic stroke between South Asian and non-South Asian diabetics. Methods Using population-based health care databases in Ontario, Canada, we selected all patients with diabetes hospitalized with first ischemic stroke between 1 April 2002 and 31 March 2012, and assigned South Asian versus non-South Asian ethnicity using a validated surname algorithm. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis estimated survival functions, and competing risk models estimated hazards of death, stroke, and myocardial infarction. The primary predictor was ethnicity, and models were adjusted for demographics and vascular risk factors. Sensitivity analysis including adjustment for medication use was performed in those aged ≥65 years. Results There were 25,495 diabetics with first ischemic stroke; 840 were South Asian. South Asians were younger, more often male, had lower income, and had shorter Ontario residency compared to non-South Asians. South Asians had higher incidence and cumulative risk of recurrent stroke. In fully adjusted competing risk models, recurrent stroke rate was increased among South Asians compared to non-South Asians (HR 1.17 [95% CI 1.00-1.38]) in the whole cohort and in those aged ≥65 years, both with adjustment for medication use (HR 1.23 [1.01-1.50]) and without (1.27 [1.04-1.54]). Conclusions In this large population-based study, South Asian diabetic stroke patients had higher recurrent stroke rates compared to non-South Asians, despite a younger age profile. Further research is needed to reduce stroke burden in South Asians.

Association between lung capacity and abnormal glucose metabolism: findings from China and Australia

OBJECTIVE

Restricted pulmonary function is found among people with diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the dose-response relationship between pulmonary function measurements [forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC)] and risk of metabolic syndrome (MS)/type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

A total of 1454 adults in rural Victoria, Australia, and 5824 adults in Nanjing, China, from randomly selected households provided clinical history, oral glucose tolerance test, lipids, anthropometric, blood pressure and spirometric measurements. MS was defined by International Diabetes Federation criteria. Adjusted odds ratios for MS and type 2 diabetes with lung capacity measurements were estimated using logistic regression. Dose-response relationships were explored using the restricted cubic spline models.

RESULTS

There was a nonlinear relationship between FEV1 and the risk of type 2 diabetes and MS (both P < 0·0001) in both the Australian and Chinese populations. The FEV1 associated with the lowest risk of type 2 diabetes and MS was above 2·70 l (95%CI: 2·68 to 2·72 l and 2·65 to 2·76 l in Chinese and Australian populations, respectively). The discrimination of the model could be significantly improved using the FEV1 threshold in both the Australian and Chinese populations.

CONCLUSIONS

In both the Australian and Chinese populations, the risk of type 2 diabetes and MS is lowest with a FEV1 of 2·65-2·76 l. This might be used in clinical practice in different countries as a prompt to screen for type 2 diabetes and MS in patients with obstructive lung disease and to ensure there was no abnormal glucose metabolism before the commencement of steroids if indicated.

Diabetes mellitus and its complications in India

India is one of the epicentres of the global diabetes mellitus pandemic. Rapid socioeconomic development and demographic changes, along with increased susceptibility for Indian individuals, have led to the explosive increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in India over the past four decades. Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Asian Indian people is characterized by a young age of onset and occurrence at low levels of BMI. Available data also suggest that the susceptibility of Asian Indian people to the complications of diabetes mellitus differs from that of white populations. Management of this disease in India faces multiple challenges, such as low levels of awareness, paucity of trained medical and paramedical staff and unaffordability of medications and services. Novel interventions using readily available resources and technology promise to revolutionise the care of patients with diabetes mellitus in India. As many of these challenges are common to most developing countries of the world, the lessons learnt from India's experience with diabetes mellitus are likely to be of immense global relevance. In this Review, we discuss the epidemiology of diabetes mellitus and its complications in India and outline the advances made in the country to ensure adequate care. We make specific references to novel, cost-effective interventions, which might be of relevance to other low-income and middle-income countries of the world.

Culturally appropriate health education for people in ethnic minority groups with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Ethnic minority groups in upper-middle-income and high-income countries tend to be socioeconomically disadvantaged and to have a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes than is seen in the majority population.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of culturally appropriate health education for people in ethnic minority groups with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

SEARCH METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed of the following databases: The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) and Google Scholar, as well as reference lists of identified articles. The date of the last search was July 2013 for The Cochrane Library and September 2013 for all other databases. We contacted authors in the field and handsearched commonly encountered journals as well.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of culturally appropriate health education for people over 16 years of age with type 2 diabetes mellitus from named ethnic minority groups residing in upper-middle-income or high-income countries.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. When disagreements arose regarding selection of papers for inclusion, two additional review authors were consulted for discussion. We contacted study authors to ask for additional information when data appeared to be missing or needed clarification.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of 33 trials (including 11 from the original 2008 review) involving 7453 participants were included in this review, with 28 trials providing suitable data for entry into meta-analysis. Although the interventions provided in these studies were very different from one study to another (participant numbers, duration of intervention, group versus individual intervention, setting), most of the studies were based on recognisable theoretical models, and we tried to be inclusive in considering the wide variety of available culturally appropriate health education.Glycaemic control (as measured by glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)) showed improvement following culturally appropriate health education at three months (mean difference (MD) -0.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.5 to -0.2); 14 trials; 1442 participants; high-quality evidence) and at six months (MD -0.5% (95% CI -0.7 to -0.4); 14 trials; 1972 participants; high-quality evidence) post intervention compared with control groups who received 'usual care'. This control was sustained to a lesser extent at 12 months (MD -0.2% (95% CI -0.3 to -0.04); 9 trials; 1936 participants) and at 24 months (MD -0.3% (95% CI -0.6 to -0.1); 4 trials; 2268 participants; moderate-quality evidence) post intervention. Neutral effects on health-related quality of life measures were noted and there was a general lack of reporting of adverse events in most studies - the other two primary outcomes for this review. Knowledge scores showed improvement in the intervention group at three (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.4 (95% CI 0.1 to 0.6), six (SMD 0.5 (95% CI 0.3 to 0.7)) and 12 months (SMD 0.4 (95% CI 0.1 to 0.6)) post intervention. A reduction in triglycerides of 24 mg/dL (95% CI -40 to -8) was observed at three months, but this was not sustained at six or 12 months. Neutral effects on total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were reported at any follow-up point. Other outcome measures (blood pressure, body mass index, self-efficacy and empowerment) also showed neutral effects compared with control groups. Data on the secondary outcomes of diabetic complications, mortality and health economics were lacking or were insufficient.Because of the nature of the intervention, participants and personnel delivering the intervention were rarely blinded, so the risk of performance bias was high. Also, subjective measures were assessed by participants who self-reported via questionnaires, leading to high bias in subjective outcome assessment.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Culturally appropriate health education has short- to medium-term effects on glycaemic control and on knowledge of diabetes and healthy lifestyles. With this update (six years after the first publication of this review), a greater number of RCTs were reported to be of sufficient quality for inclusion in the review. None of these studies were long-term trials, and so clinically important long-term outcomes could not be studied. No studies included an economic analysis. The heterogeneity of the studies made subgroup comparisons difficult to interpret with confidence. Long-term, standardised, multi-centre RCTs are needed to compare different types and intensities of culturally appropriate health education within defined ethnic minority groups, as the medium-term effects could lead to clinically important health outcomes, if sustained.

Utilization of health resources in South Asian, Chinese and white patients with diabetes mellitus

AIMS

We sought to determine whether there are differences in health resource utilization among South Asian (SA), Chinese and White patients with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

We used province-wide administrative data from British Columbia, Canada (1997-2006) to determine proportion of patients with ≥2 visits/year for all outpatient and family physician (FP) visits, proportion of patients with at least one annual visit to specialists, ophthalmology/optometry and hospital admissions by ethnic group.

RESULTS

There were 9529 South Asian, 14,084 Chinese and 143,630 White patients with newly diagnosed diabetes in the study. Over 90% of each of the ethnic groups visited their FP ≥2 visits/year. Chinese patients were less likely to visit FP, ophthalmology/optometrists and specialists compared to White patients. SA patients had fewer ophthalmology/optometry visits compared to White populations. White patients had higher rates of hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

Although all groups had high proportion of patients with appropriate frequency of FP visits, other aspects of health care utilization varied significantly by ethnicity.

Association between lung capacity measurements and abnormal glucose metabolism: findings from the Crossroads study

AIM

To examine the association between lung function and metabolic syndrome/Type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

A total of 1454 adults from rural Victoria, Australia, from randomly selected households included in the Crossroads study, provided spirometric measurements including forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, predicted percentage value of forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity predicted percentage value. Assessments also included HbA(1c), metabolic syndrome components and a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves for waist circumference were compared with those for combinations of waist circumference and raw spirometric measures (forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s) for identifying metabolic syndrome or Type 2 diabetes.

RESULTS

Partipants with a greater number of metabolic syndrome components were more likely to have reduced lung function, particularly if Type 2 diabetes was present: the predicted value of forced expiratory volume in 1 s decreased by 5-6% for participants with 2-4 metabolic syndrome components, and by 9% for those with Type 2 diabetes. The risk of metabolic syndrome or Type 2 diabetes was inversely associated with higher spirometry values (forced expiratory volume in 1 s percentage predicted value: odds ratio for 2-4 metabolic syndrome components 0.36-0.21 in women and 0.32-0.30 men; the odds ratio for Type 2 diabetes was 0.36 in women and 0.28 in men). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis for identifying metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes revealed significant differences between the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve with waist circumference alone and that for the combination of waist circumference with lung capacity measures.

CONCLUSION

Pulmonary function is lower in people with metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes. Spirometry variables are independent predictors of metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes.

A 5-day high-fat, high-calorie diet impairs insulin sensitivity in healthy, young South Asian men but not in Caucasian men

South Asians (SAs) develop type 2 diabetes at a younger age and lower BMI compared with Caucasians (Cs). The underlying cause is still poorly understood but might result from an innate inability to adapt to the Westernized diet. This study aimed to compare the metabolic adaptation to a high-fat, high-calorie (HFHC) diet between both ethnicities. Twelve healthy, young lean male SAs and 12 matched Cs underwent a two-step hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp with skeletal muscle biopsies and indirect calorimetry before and after a 5-day HFHC diet. Hepatic triglyceride content (HTG) and abdominal fat distribution were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. At baseline, SAs had higher insulin clamp levels than Cs, indicating reduced insulin clearance rate. Despite the higher insulin levels, endogenous glucose production was comparable between groups, suggesting lower hepatic insulin sensitivity in SAs. Furthermore, a 5-day HFHC diet decreased the insulin-stimulated (nonoxidative) glucose disposal rate only in SA. In skeletal muscle, no significant differences were found between groups in insulin/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling, metabolic gene expression, and mitochondrial respiratory chain content. Furthermore, no differences in (mobilization of) HTG and abdominal fat were detected. We conclude that HFHC feeding rapidly induces insulin resistance only in SAs. Thus, distinct adaptation to Western food may partly explain their propensity to develop type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes in Asians: prevalence, risk factors, and effectiveness of behavioral intervention at individual and population levels

This review summarizes the current data on diabetes risk factors, prevalence, and prevention efforts in Asia and Asian migrant populations. Studies indicate that type 2 diabetes mellitus is a large and growing threat to public health in Asian populations. Furthermore, Asian subgroups (e.g., South Asians/Asian Indians, Chinese) have unique risk factor profiles for developing diabetes, which differ from other populations and between Asian ethnic groups. Lifestyle intervention programs are effective in preventing diabetes in Asians, as with other ethnicities. The strength of these findings is lessened by the lack of systematically collected data using objective measurements. Large epidemiologic studies of diabetes prevalence and risk factor profiles and translational trials identifying sustainable and culturally acceptable lifestyle programs for Asian subgroups are needed.

Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in various ethnic groups: a worldwide perspective

The alarming rise in diabetes prevalence is a global public health and economic problem. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common complication of diabetes and the leading cause of blindness among working-age populations in the Western world. Screening and prompt treatment of diabetic retinopathy are not top priorities in many regions of the world, because the impacts of other causes of preventable blindness remain an issue. Ethnicity is a complex, independent risk factor for diabetic retinopathy. Observations from white populations cannot be extrapolated fully to other ethnic groups. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy, sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy, and clinically significant macular edema are higher in people of South Asian, African, Latin American, and indigenous tribal descent compared to the white population. Although all ethnic groups are susceptible to the established risk factors of diabetic retinopathy-such as length of exposure and severity of hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia-ethnic-specific risk factors also may influence these rates. Such risk factors may include differential susceptibility to conventional risk factors, insulin resistance, differences in anthropometric measurements, truncal obesity, urbanization, variations in access to healthcare systems, genetic susceptibility, and epigenetics. The rates of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy appear to be declining in the United States, supporting the observation that better medical management of diabetes and prompt treatment of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy substantially improve the long-term diabetic retinopathy incidence; studies from other parts of the world are limited and do not mirror this finding, however. We examine the ethnicity and region-based prevalence of diabetic retinopathy around the world and highlight the need to reinforce ethnicity-based screening and treatment thresholds in diabetic retinopathy.

Type 2 Diabetes Genetics: Beyond GWAS

The global epidemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is one of the most challenging problems of the 21(st) century leading cause of and the fifth death worldwide. Substantial evidence suggests that T2D is a multifactorial disease with a strong genetic component. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have successfully identified and replicated nearly 75 susceptibility loci associated with T2D and related metabolic traits, mostly in Europeans, and some in African, and South Asian populations. The GWAS serve as a starting point for future genetic and functional studies since the mechanisms of action by which these associated loci influence disease is still unclear and it is difficult to predict potential implication of these findings in clinical settings. Despite extensive replication, no study has unequivocally demonstrated their clinical role in the disease management beyond progression to T2D from impaired glucose tolerance. However, these studies are revealing new molecular pathways underlying diabetes etiology, gene-environment interactions, epigenetic modifications, and gene function. This review highlights evolving progress made in the rapidly moving field of T2D genetics that is starting to unravel the pathophysiology of a complex phenotype and has potential to show clinical relevance in the near future.

The worldwide epidemiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus--present and future perspectives

Over the past three decades, the number of people with diabetes mellitus has more than doubled globally, making it one of the most important public health challenges to all nations. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and prediabetes are increasingly observed among children, adolescents and younger adults. The causes of the epidemic of T2DM are embedded in a very complex group of genetic and epigenetic systems interacting within an equally complex societal framework that determines behavior and environmental influences. This complexity is reflected in the diverse topics discussed in this Review. In the past few years considerable emphasis has been placed on the effect of the intrauterine environment in the epidemic of T2DM, particularly in the early onset of T2DM and obesity. Prevention of T2DM is a 'whole-of-life' task and requires an integrated approach operating from the origin of the disease. Future research is necessary to better understand the potential role of remaining factors, such as genetic predisposition and maternal environment, to help shape prevention programs. The potential effect on global diabetes surveillance of using HbA(1c) rather than glucose values in the diagnosis of T2DM is also discussed.

Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in South Asians

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is growing at a pandemic scale and is associated with a rapid increase in its complications such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This problem is even worse in South Asian population with South Asian people having a much higher prevalence of T2DM and CVD, occurring at an earlier age and being associated with premature and high mortality. This review looks in detail at the current knowledge on epidemiology and characteristic pathophysiology of T2DM and CVD (coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke and peripheral vascular disease) in South Asian migrant population. Specific attention is also drawn to the role of novel risk factors and cultural and socioeconomic factors on occurrence and outcomes of these chronic diseases in this population. Finally the review makes recommendations on various measures including need for further research to tackle this serious health challenge facing the South Asian community.

Ethnicity and sex affect diabetes incidence and outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Diabetes guidelines recommend aggressive screening for type 2 diabetes in Asian patients because they are considered to have a higher risk of developing diabetes and potentially worse prognosis. We determined incidence of diabetes and risk of death or macrovascular complications by sex among major Asian subgroups, South Asian and Chinese, and white patients with newly diagnosed diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Using population-based administrative data from British Columbia and Alberta, Canada (1997-1998 to 2006-2007), we identified patients with newly diagnosed diabetes aged ≥35 years and followed them for up to 10 years for death, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, or hospitalization for heart failure. Ethnicity was determined using validated surname algorithms.

RESULTS

There were 15,066 South Asian, 17,754 Chinese, and 244,017 white patients with newly diagnosed diabetes. Chinese women and men had the lowest incidence of diabetes relative to that of white or South Asian patients, who had the highest incidence. Mortality in those with newly diagnosed diabetes was lower in South Asian (hazard ratio 0.69 [95% CI 0.62-0.76], P < 0.001) and Chinese patients (0.69 [0.63-0.74], P < 0.001) then in white patients. Risk of acute myocardial infarction, stroke, or heart failure was similar or lower in the ethnic groups relative to that of white patients and varied by sex.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of diagnosed diabetes varies significantly among ethnic groups. Mortality was substantially lower in South Asian and Chinese patients with newly diagnosed diabetes than in white patients.

Culturally appropriate health education for Type 2 diabetes in ethnic minority groups: a systematic and narrative review of randomized controlled trials

To determine if culturally appropriate health education is more effective than 'usual' health education for people with diabetes from ethnic minority groups living in high- and upper-middle-income countries. A systematic review with meta-analysis, following the methodology of the Cochrane Collaboration. Electronic literature searches of nine databases were made, with hand searching of three journals and 16 author contacts. The criteria for inclusion into the analysis were randomized controlled trials of a specified diabetes health education intervention, and a named ethnic minority group with Type 2 diabetes. Data were collected on HbA(1c), blood pressure, and quality-of-life measures. A narrative review was also performed. Few studies fitted the selection criteria, and were heterogeneous in methodologies and outcome measures, making meta-analysis difficult. HbA(1c) showed an improvement at 3 months [weighted mean difference (WMD) -0.32%, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.63, -0.01] and 6 months post intervention (WMD -0.60%, 95% CI -0.85, -0.35). Knowledge scores also improved in the intervention groups at 6 months (standardized mean difference 0.46, 95% CI 0.27, 0.65). There was only one longer-term follow-up study, and one formal cost-effectiveness analysis. Culturally appropriate health education was more effective than 'usual' health education in improving HbA(1c) and knowledge in the short to medium term. Due to poor standardization between studies, the data did not allow determination of the key elements of interventions across countries, ethnic groups and health systems, or a broad view of their cost-effectiveness. The narrative review identifies learning points to direct future research.

Hypomagnesaemia is associated with diabetes: Not pre-diabetes, obesity or the metabolic syndrome

AIMS

The mechanism for the association between diabetes and hypomagnesaemia remains uncertain. This study aimed to test whether hypomagnesaemia is present in pre-diabetes, obesity and the metabolic syndrome.

METHODS

1453 adults from randomly selected households from rural Victoria, Australia, attended for biomedical assessment. Serum magnesium concentrations, hypomagnesaemia defined using local laboratory criteria (<0.70mmol/l), and defined by the bottom quintile of serum magnesium concentrations, were compared in different diabetes pre-cursor states including metabolic syndrome using ATP III criteria.

RESULTS

The mean serum magnesium was 0.84+/-0.06mmol/l and 25 (1.7%) had a low magnesium. Mean magnesium was lower among those with known diabetes than those with new diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and normal subjects (0.79 (0.78-0.81) vs 0.83 (0.81-0.86); 0.84 (0.82-0.85); 0.84 (0.82-0.86); 0.85 (0.84-0.85)mmol/l). After adjusting for confounders, and compared with those without diabetes, hypomagnesaemia was 10.51 (1.37-80.60)-fold more common with new diabetes, 8.63 (2.20-33.90)-fold more common with known diabetes, 6.77 (1.75-26.17)-fold more common among those taking anti-hypertensive medication but with no difference to those with IGT/IFG (0.90 (0.10-8.10)).

CONCLUSION

Diabetes is associated with hypomagnesaemia, but not its pre-cursor states.

Ischemic Stroke in South Asians

Background and Purpose— Within the United Kingdom, mortality from stroke is higher among South Asians compared to European whites. The reasons for this excess cerebrovascular risk in South Asians remain unclear. The aim of this review is to present a comprehensive and systematic overview of the available literature relating to ischemic stroke among South Asian populations identifying distinct features of stroke epidemiology in this group.

Summary of Review— A high frequency of lacunar strokes is a familiar pattern among South Asians, which suggests a greater prevalence of small-vessel disease in South Asians. This may be a consequence of abnormal metabolic and glycemic processes. In addition, stroke mortality among South Asians appears to be explained by glycemic status, which is an independent predictor of long-term stroke mortality. Within India, there is a perceptible rural–urban gradient in stroke prevalence, underlying the dangers of the rapid transition in socioeconomic circumstances seen across the Indian subcontinent.

Conclusions— This review emphasizes the importance of further research into ischemic stroke for South Asians given their higher cardiovascular disease burden and necessity for targeted healthcare approaches.

Predicting risk of type 2 diabetes in England and Wales: prospective derivation and validation of QDScore

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate a new diabetes risk algorithm (the QDScore) for estimating 10 year risk of acquiring diagnosed type 2 diabetes over a 10 year time period in an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse population.

DESIGN

Prospective open cohort study using routinely collected data from 355 general practices in England and Wales to develop the score and from 176 separate practices to validate the score.

PARTICIPANTS

2 540 753 patients aged 25-79 in the derivation cohort, who contributed 16 436 135 person years of observation and of whom 78 081 had an incident diagnosis of type 2 diabetes; 1 232 832 patients (7 643 037 person years) in the validation cohort, with 37 535 incident cases of type 2 diabetes.

OUTCOME MEASURES

A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate effects of risk factors in the derivation cohort and to derive a risk equation in men and women. The predictive variables examined and included in the final model were self assigned ethnicity, age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, family history of diabetes, Townsend deprivation score, treated hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and current use of corticosteroids; the outcome of interest was incident diabetes recorded in general practice records. Measures of calibration and discrimination were calculated in the validation cohort.

RESULTS

A fourfold to fivefold variation in risk of type 2 diabetes existed between different ethnic groups. Compared with the white reference group, the adjusted hazard ratio was 4.07 (95% confidence interval 3.24 to 5.11) for Bangladeshi women, 4.53 (3.67 to 5.59) for Bangladeshi men, 2.15 (1.84 to 2.52) for Pakistani women, and 2.54 (2.20 to 2.93) for Pakistani men. Pakistani and Bangladeshi men had significantly higher hazard ratios than Indian men. Black African men and Chinese women had an increased risk compared with the corresponding white reference group. In the validation dataset, the model explained 51.53% (95% confidence interval 50.90 to 52.16) of the variation in women and 48.16% (47.52 to 48.80) of that in men. The risk score showed good discrimination, with a D statistic of 2.11 (95% confidence interval 2.08 to 2.14) in women and 1.97 (1.95 to 2.00) in men. The model was well calibrated.

CONCLUSIONS

The QDScore is the first risk prediction algorithm to estimate the 10 year risk of diabetes on the basis of a prospective cohort study and including both social deprivation and ethnicity. The algorithm does not need laboratory tests and can be used in clinical settings and also by the public through a simple web calculator (www.qdscore.org).

Raising awareness of chronic kidney disease among South Asians and primary care: the ABLE project

Established renal failure as a complication of diabetes in 10 times greater in South Asians than in Caucasians. The objectives were: (1) to develop methods to increase community awareness and (2) to support general practices to improve chronic kidney disease (CKD) detection and management. The methods include: 1. Action research approach. 2. Public health education programme. 3. Audit in control and intervention practices. 4. Post-intervention focus group study determining changes in knowledge. 5. Evaluation and dissemination in community and primary care.

RESULTS

An evaluation of innovative resources and peer educator model demonstrated a positive feedback, increased knowledge and evidence of positive lifestyle change. Intervention with the practices has demonstrated the need to improve some aspects of CKD management.

CONCLUSION

This unique initiative has helped to identify practical strategies to address CKD awareness in these communities. However, the successful elements need to become part of mainstream National health Service and not just delivered by short-term projects.

Intervention, recruitment and evaluation challenges in the Bangladeshi community: experience from a peer lead educational course

Background

The incidence of Type 2 diabetes is increasing worldwide and diabetes is four times more common among ethnic minority groups than among the general Caucasian population. This study reflects on the specific issues of engaging people and evaluating interventions through written questionnaires within older ethnic minority groups.

Methods

The original protocol set out to evaluate an adapted version of the X-PERT^® patient program using questionnaires and interviews.

Results

Questionnaires, even verbally completed, were unsuccessful and difficult to administer as participants found the questionnaire structure and design difficult to follow and did not perceive any benefit to completing the questionnaires. The benefits of attending the course were also poorly understood by participants and in many cases people participated in coming to the course as a favour to the researcher. Engaging participants required word of mouth and the involvement of active members of the community.

Conclusion

Peer led courses and their evaluation in older ethnic minority communities needs a very different approach for that in younger Caucasian patients. A structured approached to evaluation (favoured by western educational system) is inappropriate. Engaging participants is difficult and the employment of local well known people is essential.

Detection of impaired glucose tolerance and undiagnosed type 2 diabetes in UK South Asians: an effective screening strategy

AIM

We tested a stepwise, community-based screening strategy for glucose intolerance in South Asians using a health questionnaire in conjunction with body mass index (BMI). Anthropometric measurements (waist and hip circumference, sagittal diameter and percentage body fat) were then conducted in a hospital setting followed by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to identify subjects at the highest risk and analyse the factors predicting that risk.

METHODS

A health questionnaire was administered to 435 subjects in a community setting and BMI was measured. Subjects were graded by a risk score based on the health questionnaire as high, medium and low. Subjects with high and medium risk scores and a representative sample of those with low scores had anthropometric measurements in hospital followed by an OGTT. In total, 205 (47%) of the subjects had an OGTT performed.

RESULTS

In total, 48.7% of the subjects tested with an OGTT had evidence of glucose dysregulation: 20% had diabetes and 28.7% had impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Logistic regression model explained 49.1% of the total variability. The significant predictors of diabetes and IGT were Blood Glucose Monitoring Strips (BMI), random blood glucose (BM), sibling with diabetes and presence of diagnosed hypertension or ischaemic disease. Most of these predictors along with other heredity diabetes factors create a composite score, with high predictability, as the receiver operating curve analysis shows.

CONCLUSION

We describe a simple, stepwise strategy in a community setting, based on a health questionnaire and anthropometric measurements, to explain about 50% of cases with IGT and diabetes and diagnose about 50% of cases from the population screened. We have also identified factors that predict the risk.

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and the performance of a risk score among Hindustani Surinamese, African Surinamese and ethnic Dutch: a cross-sectional population-based study

Background

While the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is high, tailored risk scores for screening among South Asian and African origin populations are lacking. The aim of this study was, first, to compare the prevalence of (known and newly detected) DM among Hindustani Surinamese, African Surinamese and ethnic Dutch (Dutch). Second, to develop a new risk score for DM. Third, to evaluate the performance of the risk score and to compare it to criteria derived from current guidelines.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional population based study among 336 Hindustani Surinamese, 593 African Surinamese and 486 Dutch, aged 35–60 years, in Amsterdam. Logistic regressing analyses were used to derive a risk score based on non-invasively determined characteristics. The diagnostic accuracy was assessed by the area under the Receiver-Operator Characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

Hindustani Surinamese had the highest prevalence of DM, followed by African Surinamese and Dutch: 16.7, 8.1, 4.2% (age 35–44) and 35.0, 19.0, 8.2% (age 45–60), respectively. The risk score included ethnicity, body mass index, waist circumference, resting heart rate, first-degree relative with DM, hypertension and history of cardiovascular disease. Selection based on age alone showed the lowest AUC: between 0.57–0.62. The AUC of our score (0.74–0.80) was higher than that of criteria from guidelines based solely on age and BMI and as high as criteria that required invasive specimen collection.

Conclusion

In Hindustani Surinamese and African Surinamese populations, screening for DM should not be limited to those over 45 years, as is advocated in several guidelines. If selective screening is indicated, our ethnicity based risk score performs well as a screening test for DM among these groups, particularly compared to the criteria based on age and/or body mass index derived from current guidelines.

Culturally appropriate health education for type 2 diabetes mellitus in ethnic minority groups

BACKGROUND

Ethnic minority groups in upper-middle and high income countries tend to be socio-economically disadvantaged and to have higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes than the majority population.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of culturally appropriate diabetes health education on important outcome measures in type 2 diabetes.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ERIC, SIGLE and reference lists of articles. We also contacted authors in the field and handsearched commonly encountered journals.

SELECTION CRITERIA

RCTs of culturally appropriate diabetes health education for people over 16 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus from named ethnic minority groups resident in upper-middle or high income countries.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Where there were disagreements in selection of papers for inclusion, all four authors discussed the studies. We contacted study authors for additional information when data appeared to be missing or needed clarification.

MAIN RESULTS

Eleven trials involving 1603 people were included, with ten trials providing suitable data for entry into meta-analysis. Glycaemic control (HbA1c), showed an improvement following culturally appropriate health education at three months (weight mean difference (WMD) - 0.3%, 95% CI -0.6 to -0.01), and at six months (WMD -0.6%, 95% CI -0.9 to -0.4), compared with control groups who received 'usual care'. This effect was not significant at 12 months post intervention (WMD -0.1%, 95% CI -0.4 to 0.2). Knowledge scores also improved in the intervention groups at three months (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.6, 95% CI 0.4 to 0.7), six months (SMD 0.5, 95% CI 0.3 to 0.7) and twelve months (SMD 0.4, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.6) post intervention. Other outcome measures both clinical (such as lipid levels, and blood pressure) and patient centred (quality of life measures, attitude scores and measures of patient empowerment and self-efficacy) showed no significant improvement compared with control groups.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Culturally appropriate diabetes health education appears to have short term effects on glycaemic control and knowledge of diabetes and healthy lifestyles. None of the studies were long-term, and so clinically important long-term outcomes could not be studied. No studies included an economic analysis. The heterogeneity of studies made subgroup comparisons difficult to interpret with confidence. There is a need for long-term, standardised multi-centre RCTs that compare different types and intensities of culturally appropriate health education within defined ethnic minority groups.

Estimation of diabetes prevalence among immigrants from the Middle East in Sweden by using three different data sources

AIMS

To estimate diabetes prevalence in immigrants from the Middle East in Sweden compared with Swedish-born subjects. This group accounts for around 15% of Sweden's non-European immigrants.

METHODS

Three samples were used: self-reported diabetes in a random sample (SALLS sample) of subjects aged 35-64 years in Sweden (n=22,032); known diabetes among patients aged 35-64 years in primary care (PC) at four primary healthcare centers in Stockholm County (n=30,679); and known and newly diagnosed diabetes in a random population sample of subjects aged 60 years in Stockholm County (n=4106).

RESULTS

The odds ratio (OR) for subjects from the Middle East was: 1.69 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96-2.99) in the SALLS sample; 4.43 (95% CI 3.38-5.56) in the PC sample; and 3.96 (95% CI 1.98-7.92) in the age-60 sample, compared with native Swedes. Subjects from European and other Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries showed an excess risk only in the SALLS sample (1.43, 95% CI 1.11-1.83).

CONCLUSIONS

Immigrants from the Middle East showed a four-fold higher risk of diabetes compared with Swedish-born subjects in two of the three data sources. More studies are needed to confirm these results, but the findings call for targeted preventative strategies in this population group.

Urban rural differences in prevalence of self-reported diabetes in India--the WHO-ICMR Indian NCD risk factor surveillance

Recent reports show strikingly high prevalence of diabetes among urban Asian Indians; however, there are very few studies comparing urban, peri-urban and rural prevalence rates of diabetes and their risk factors at the national level. This study is a part of the national non-communicable diseases (NCD) risk factor surveillance conducted in different geographical locations (North, South, East, West/Central) in India between April 2003 and March 2005. A total of 44,523 individuals (age: 15-64 years) inclusive of 15,239 from urban, 15,760 from peri-urban/slum and 13,524 from rural areas were recruited. Major risk factors were studied using modified WHO STEPS approach. Diabetes was diagnosed based on self-reported diabetes diagnosed by a physician. The lowest prevalence of self-reported diabetes was recorded in rural (3.1%) followed by peri-urban/slum (3.2%) and the highest in urban areas (7.3%, odds ratio (OR) for urban areas: 2.48, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.21-2.79, p<0.001). Urban residents with abdominal obesity and sedentary activity had the highest prevalence of self-reported diabetes (11.3%) while rural residents without abdominal obesity performing vigorous activity had the lowest prevalence (0.7%). In conclusion, this nation-wide NCD risk factor surveillance study shows that the prevalence of self-reported diabetes is higher in urban, intermediate in peri-urban and lowest in rural areas. Urban residence, abdominal obesity and physical inactivity are the risk factors associated with diabetes in this study.

Anemia as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important and leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and moreover, plays a role in the morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular disease, infection, and cancer. Anemia develops during the early stages of CKD and is common in patients with ESRD. Anemia is an important cause of left ventricular hypertrophy and congestive heart failure. Correction of anemia by erthyropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) has been shown to improve survival in patients with congestive heart failure. Anemia is counted as one of the non-conventional risk factors associated with CKD. Hypoxia is one of the common mechanisms of CKD progression. Treatment by ESA is expected to improve quality of life, survival, and prevent the CKD progression. Several clinical studies have shown the beneficial effects of anemia correction on renal outcomes. However, recent prospective trials both in ESRD and in CKD stages 3 and 4 failed to confirm the beneficial effects of correcting anemia on survival. Similarly, treatment of other risk factors such as hyperlipidemia by statin showed no improvement in the survival of dialysis patients. Given the high prevalence of anemia in ESRD and untoward effects of anemia in CKD stages 3 and 4, appropriate and timely intervention on renal anemia using ESA is required for practicing nephrologists and others involved in the care of high-risk population. Lessons from the recent studies are to correct renal anemia (hemoglobin <10 g/dl not hemoglobin > or =13 g/dl). Early intervention for renal anemia is a part of the treatment option in the prevention clinic. In this study, clinical significance of anemia management in patients with CKD is discussed.

Increased prevalence of diabetes among immigrants from non-European countries in 60-year-old men and women in Sweden

AIMS

To estimate the prevalence of risk factors for diabetes in subjects of foreign origin compared to Swedish-born.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study with subjects included from a random sample of the population of in Stockholm County, Sweden, among 60-year-old men and women. Number in the analyzed groups were Swedish-born n=3329, immigrants from Europe n=654, and immigrants from non-European countries n=123. The health screening including physical examination, laboratory testing and a questionnaire on medical, socioeconomic and life-style factors.

RESULTS

Men showed a higher prevalence of diabetes than women, 9.7% vs. 5.1% (P<0.001). Among European immigrants, no excess risk was present compared to Swedish-born subjects, 7.6% vs. 6.9%, sex-adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.14 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83-1.57). Among non-European immigrants, prevalence of diabetes was two times higher, i.e. 14.6%, sex-adjusted OR: 2.19 (95% CI: 1.30-3.69), compared to Swedish-born subjects. When also adjusting for anthropometrical, socioeconomic and life-style factors, ORs were for European immigrants 0.95 (95% CI: 0.68-1.33), and non-European immigrants OR: 1.21 (95% CI: 0.65-2.26). Beside sex, i.e. female OR: 0.50 (95% CI: 0.38-0.66), the only significant covariate in full model was BMI-category, i.e. overweight OR: 1.83 (95% CI: 1.29-2.59), and obesity OR: 4.64 (95% CI: 3.25-6.63).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of diabetes was found to be considerably higher among immigrants from non-European countries in Sweden. The excess risk was associated with above all to a higher BMI.

High prevalence of diabetes among immigrants from non-European countries in Sweden

Patients with diabetes aged 35-64 years from four primary health care centres in Stockholm County were identified from electronic patient records (EPRs): diabetes prevalence occurred 414 of 15,317 men, and 250 of 15,388 women. The age- and sex-standardized prevalence of diabetes was as follows: Non-European immigrants, 5.82% (95% CI 5.06-6.58), European immigrants 1.96% (95% CI 1.53-2.39), and Swedish-born subjects 1.80% (95% CI 1.63-1.97). In conclusion, non-European immigrants showed a three-fold higher prevalence of diabetes compared to Swedish-born subjects.

Scottish survey of diabetes services for minority ethnic groups

Background

In the UK, all ethnic minority groups have higher rates of diabetes than the general population. Although there have been a number of projects to assess diabetic care amongst minority ethnic groups in the United Kingdom, little is known about the extent to which the needs of ethnic minority groups are actually met by the National Health Service (NHS) Scotland. Therefore we conducted this study to understand of the current situation for diabetes care available to minority ethnic groups in Scotland.

Methods

We conducted this cross-sectional study in all health boards in Scotland. A questionnaire was designed based on expert comments. It was completed by Local Health Care Cooperatives (LHCC) managers, chairs, diabetes specialist nurses and public health practitioners.

Results

57 of questionnaires were returned (response rate = 69.5%). Of these LHCCs, 71% responded that diabetes was part of their LHCC plan. However 69% answered that ethnic group was not recorded by community services and GPs, and 80% of LHCCs did not monitor trends of complications of diabetes by ethnic group.

Conclusion

Improvement is needed in quality, completeness, and availability of minority ethnic group data for diabetes at a national level, particularly if NHS Primary Care Organisations are to be responsible for providing diabetes care as laid out in the Scottish Diabetes Framework.

Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk in the UK south Asian community

A popular hypothesis for the greater prevalence of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in UK south Asians is that they have an increased susceptibility of developing insulin resistance in response to certain environmental factors, including obesity and adoption of a sedentary lifestyle. Insulin resistance is postulated as a central feature of the metabolic syndrome, culminating in type 2 diabetes, atherosclerotic vascular disease and CHD; a pathway potentially accelerated by migration/urbanisation. We describe and compare the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and their associated risk factors in UK south Asian and white Caucasian populations to determine possible reasons for the increased preponderance of these diseases in south Asians, and highlight key evidence for optimal risk factor management. Finally, we describe a UK community-based programme that attempts to reduce the morbidity and mortality from type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in south Asians through a new approach to management.

Body fat mass and lean mass as predictors of survival in hemodialysis patients

A higher body mass index (BMI) is a predictor of better survival in hemodialysis patients, although the relative importance of body fat and lean mass has not been examined in the dialysis population. We performed an observational cohort study in 808 patients with end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis. At baseline, fat mass was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and expressed as fat mass index (FMI; kg/m2). Lean mass index (LMI) was defined as BMI minus FMI. During the mean follow-up period of 53 months, 147 deaths, including 62 cardiovascular (CV) and 85 non-CV fatal events, were recorded. In univariate analysis, LMI was not significantly associated with CV or non-CV death, whereas a higher FMI was predictive of lower risk for non-CV death. Analyses with multivariate Cox models, which took other confounding variables as covariates, indicated the independent associations between a higher LMI and a lower risk of CV death, as well as between a higher FMI and a lower risk of non-CV death. These results indicate that increased fat mass and lean mass were both conditions associated with better outcomes in the dialysis population.

A controlled trial of the effectiveness of a diabetes education programme in a multi-ethnic community in Glasgow [ISRCTN28317455]

Background

Epidemiologic data have shown that the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes varies with ethnic origin. Type 2 diabetes is up to four times more common in British South Asians than in the indigenous white population. The aim of this study was to develop a culturally appropriate educational intervention programme for South Asians with Type 2 diabetes. We then investigated whether this intervention could produce an improvement, and finally whether any improvement was greater than background changes in knowledge in comparison groups.

Methods

A multi-site prospective, randomised controlled study was conducted in all day care centres and three general practice registers with high proportion patients from different ethnic minority groups in Glasgow, Scotland. The intervention consisted of 18 educational sessions in 6 separate programmes. A modified questionnaire was used to measure the knowledge, attitudes, and practice of diabetes before and after intervention.

Results

Baseline assessment showed that Indian and Pakistani subjects had less knowledge about diabetes, regarded the disease less seriously, and had a lesser understanding of the relationship between control and complications than the white population. No differences in initial responses were found between those who completed the second assessment and those who did not. The intervention group showed significant improvements in scores for Knowledge (+12.5%); Attitudes toward seriousness (+13.5%), complications (+8.1%), Practice (+20.0%). However there were also changes in the ethnic control group scores; respectively +5.0%, +16.3% (significant P < 0.001), +1.5%, +1.7%. The single white control group also showed some improvements; respectively +12.2%, +12.4% (P = 0.04), +6.0%, +25.0% (P = 0.007), but the differences in improvement between these two control groups were not significant. Overall, the improvement seen was similar in both intervention and ethnic control groups and there was no significant difference in the amount of change (P = 0.36 CI -0.9 to +2.6).

Conclusion

This study has shown that conducting a culturally-competent educational intervention in patients with Type 2 diabetes from ethnic minority groups is feasible and can improve their knowledge and attitudes and practice. However there was no net benefit compared with the control group.

Prevalence of microalbuminuria and hypertension in South Asians and white Europeans with type 2 diabetes: a report from the United Kingdom Asian Diabetes Study (UKADS)

Microalbuminuria is more common in South Asian individuals compared to white Europeans. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between blood pressure and microalbuminuria in a cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes in these two ethnic groups. These further data were analysed from 552 patients (311 South Asian patients and 241 white Europeans) who had microalbuminuria screening data collected. Prevalence of microalbuminuria was significantly higher in South Asian compared with white European patients (31% versus 20%, p=0.007). Among patients with normal, untreated blood pressure, the proportion who had microalbuminuria was three times higher among South Asian patients compared with the white European group (30.7% versus 10.1%, p=0.049, relative risk = 3.1 [1.0-9.5]). In addition, despite their higher cardiovascular risk, South Asian patients were less likely to be prescribed a statin or antihypertensive drug treatment. In conclusion, thresholds and targets for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors in South Asians may need to be lower than those for white Europeans, and targeted intervention will be required to achieve this.

Metabolic syndrome and chronic kidney disease in Okinawa, Japan

We assessed the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a hospital-based screening program in Okinawa, Japan. The significance of metabolic syndrome as a determinant of CKD was examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. A total of 6980 participants, aged 30-79 years, participated in a screening program in Tomishiro Chuo Hospital. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the criteria of the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III). Data were also analyzed according to the modified criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) that defines abdominal obesity as a waist circumference of > oe =85 cm in men and > or =90 cm in women. CKD was defined as dipstick proteinuria (> or =1+) or a reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR). GFR was estimated using the abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and CKD was 12.8 and 13.7%, respectively. Metabolic syndrome was a significant determinant of CKD (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.537 and 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.277-1.850, P<0.0001). The adjusted OR (95% CI) was 1.770 (1.215-2.579, P=0.0029) for those with four metabolic syndrome risk factors compared to those with no metabolic syndrome risk factors. Metabolic syndrome was a significant determinant for younger participants (<60 years; OR 1.686, 95% CI 1.348-2.107, P<0.0001), but not for older participants (> or =60 years; OR 1.254, 95% CI 0.906-1.735, NS). The relationship between the number of metabolic syndrome risk factors and the prevalence of CKD was linear using the modified criteria. The results suggest that metabolic syndrome is a significant determinant of CKD in men under 60 years of age, in Okinawa, Japan.

Type 2 diabetes in rural and urban population: diverse prevalence and associated risk factors in Bangladesh

AIMS

To describe differences in prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus with its associated risk factors between rural and urban populations in Bangladesh. Diagnostic criteria [fasting blood glucose (FBG) and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT)] were compared and reviewed for both populations.

METHODS

A total of 1555 subjects from urban and 4757 from rural communities (age > or = 20 years) with similar cultural and ethnic backgrounds were randomly selected in a cross-sectional survey. FBG values were determined from all and 2-h post-glucose capillary blood samples were determined after a 75-g oral glucose load for a selected number (urban 476, rural 1046).

RESULTS

A higher prevalence of diabetes was found in urban (8.1%) compared with rural populations (2.3%). Age, sex and waist-to-hip ratio for men were significant risk factors for both urban and rural subjects following fasting and 2-h post-glucose values adjusted for a number of confounding variables. Poor agreement was observed between FBG and OGTT for both urban (kappa 0.41) and rural (kappa 0.40) areas.

CONCLUSIONS

A higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in the urban population was observed compared with rural subjects despite similar body mass indexes (BMI). Differences in obesity, waist/hip ratio or hypertension failed to explain the increasing occurrence of T2DM in the urban population.

Choice and availability of takeaway and restaurant food is not related to the prevalence of adult obesity in rural communities in Australia

OBJECTIVES

To establish whether choice and availability of takeaway and restaurant food consumption are associated with increased obesity.

DESIGN

Crossroads Undiagnosed Disease Study: a cross-sectional study undertaken between June 2001 and March 2003.

SETTING

A regional centre and six shire capitals of variables size in rural Victoria, Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

In total, 1454 residents of randomly selected households.

MEASUREMENTS

Obesity (by body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference), weekly recreational activity, self-reported frequency of takeaway consumption, number of local takeaway and restaurant food outlets in the area.

RESULTS

The prevalence of obesity ranged from 25.5-30.8% and was higher than the general Australian population among both men and women. Those in the regional centre were less likely than those in large and small shire capitals to participate in recreational activity of 150 min or more (39.7 vs 48.4%, 46.0% respectively, P=0.023) and yet reported better access to facilities and amenities for physical activity. Recreational activity of > or =150 min/week was associated with 0.75 (0.58-0.97) fold less risk of obesity. BMI was unrelated to takeaway consumption. Waist circumference was significantly lower among those eating no takeaways, but similar whether takeaways were consumed <1/month or > or =1/week. Increased takeaway consumption was associated with increased consumption of higher fat preparations of dairy and meat products. Availability of takeaway outlets and restaurants was unrelated to obesity.

CONCLUSION

The obesity epidemic exists among those without significant consumption of or availability to takeaway foods. In a setting of easy availability of food, the obesity epidemic relates strongly to reduced physical activity, but not to consumption of takeaway food.

Controlling the diabetes epidemic: how should we screen for undiagnosed diabetes and dysglycaemia?

AIMS

To compare the detection of undiagnosed diabetes and dysglycaemia (impaired glucose tolerance, impaired fasting glucose, diabetes) using risk factors and laboratory measures of glycaemia.

METHODS

Casual blood glucose samples were taken from 1899 (69.4% of 2737 invited) European, Maori and Pacific Islands subjects aged 40-79 years from randomly selected households in South Auckland, New Zealand. Of these, 534 attended for a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) if an elevated result was identified [327/478 (68.4%)] or if randomly selected with a 'normal' screening result [207/308 (67.2%)].

RESULTS

Several Europeans with undiagnosed diabetes (25.0%) and dysglycaemia (31.4%) had no diabetes risk factors. Most Maori and Pacific Islanders had at least one risk factor. The area under the receiver operating curve (ROC) for the detection of undiagnosed diabetes was 0.92 (0.89-0.95) using fasting glucose, 0.86 (0.82-0.90) using HbA1c, 0.75 (0.69-0.80) using random glucose, but 0.60 (0.55-0.66) using risk factor screening. The ROC for detecting any dysglycaemia was 0.88 (0.85-0.90), 0.68 (0.64-0.71), 0.72 (0.69-0.75), 0.61 (0.58-0.65), respectively. Screening using fasting glucose (the best test) detected 90.4% of new diabetes and 78.4% of dysglycaemia; risk factor screening followed by fasting glucose detected significantly less cases [88 (82-93)% and 86 (82-89)%, respectively] with 9.2% less OGTTs.

CONCLUSIONS

Using risk factors for the identification of who should receive a blood test for dysglycaemia adds little to direct screening with the risk of missing some with significant hyperglycaemia. Screening for dysglycaemia may best be undertaken using blood tests without initial risk factor symptom screening.