Prevalence of diabetes, impaired fasting glucose, and impaired glucose tolerance in U.S. adults. The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-1994

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence and time trends for diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes, impaired fasting glucose, and impaired glucose tolerance in U.S. adults by age, sex, and race or ethnic group, based on data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-1994 (NHANES III) and prior Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (HANESs).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

NHANES III contained a probability sample of 18,825 U.S. adults > or = 20 years of age who were interviewed to ascertain a medical history of diagnosed diabetes, a subsample of 6,587 adults for whom fasting plasma glucose values were obtained, and a subsample of 2,844 adults between 40 and 74 years of age who received an oral glucose tolerance test. The Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1976-1980, and Hispanic HANES used similar procedures to ascertain diabetes. Prevalence was calculated using the 1997 American Diabetes Association fasting plasma glucose criteria and the 1980-1985 World Health Organization (WHO) oral glucose tolerance test criteria.

RESULTS

Prevalence of diagnosed diabetes in 1988-1994 was estimated to be 5.1% for U.S. adults > or = 20 years of age (10.2 million people when extrapolated to the 1997 U.S. population). Using American Diabetes Association criteria, the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes (fasting plasma glucose > or = 126 mg/dl) was 2.7% (5.4 million), and the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose (110 to < 126 mg/dl) was 6.9% (13.4 million). There were similar rates of diabetes for men and women, but the rates for non-Hispanic blacks and Mexican-Americans were 1.6 and 1.9 times the rate for non-Hispanic whites. Based on American Diabetes Association criteria, prevalence of diabetes (diagnosed plus undiagnosed) in the total population of people who were 40-74 years of age increased from 8.9% in the period 1976-1980 to 12.3% by 1988-1994. A similar increase was found when WHO criteria were applied (11.4 and 14.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

The high rates of abnormal fasting and postchallenge glucose found in NHANES III, together with the increasing frequency of obesity and sedentary lifestyles in the population, make it likely that diabetes will continue to be a major health problem in the U.S.

Prevalence of diabetes and impaired fasting glucose in adults in the U.S. population: National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2002

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalences of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes, and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in U.S. adults during 1999-2002, and compare prevalences to those in 1988-1994.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) contains a probability sample of adults aged > or =20 years. In the NHANES 1999-2002, 4,761 adults were classified on glycemic status using standard criteria, based on an interview for diagnosed diabetes and fasting plasma glucose measured in a subsample.

RESULTS

The crude prevalence of total diabetes in 1999-2002 was 9.3% (19.3 million, 2002 U.S. population), consisting of 6.5% diagnosed and 2.8% undiagnosed. An additional 26.0% had IFG, totaling 35.3% (73.3 million) with either diabetes or IFG. The prevalence of total diabetes rose with age, reaching 21.6% for those aged > or =65 years. The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes was twice as high in non-Hispanic blacks and Mexican Americans compared with non-Hispanic whites (both P < 0.00001), whereas the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes was similar by race/ethnicity, adjusted for age and sex. The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes was similar by sex, but prevalences of undiagnosed diabetes and IFG were significantly higher in men. The crude prevalence of diagnosed diabetes rose significantly from 5.1% in 1988-1994 to 6.5% in 1999-2002, but the crude prevalences were stable for undiagnosed diabetes (from 2.7 to 2.8%) and IFG (from 24.7 to 26.0%). Results were similar after adjustment for age and sex.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes has increased significantly over the last decade, the prevalences of undiagnosed diabetes and IFG have remained relatively stable. Minority groups remain disproportionately affected.

Full accounting of diabetes and pre-diabetes in the U.S. population in 1988-1994 and 2005-2006

OBJECTIVE

We examined the prevalences of diagnosed diabetes, and undiagnosed diabetes and pre-diabetes using fasting and 2-h oral glucose tolerance test values, in the U.S. during 2005-2006. We then compared the prevalences of these conditions with those in 1988-1994.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In 2005-2006, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey included a probability sample of 7,267 people aged > or =12 years. Participants were classified according to glycemic status by interview for diagnosed diabetes and by fasting and 2-h glucoses measured in subsamples.

RESULTS

In 2005-2006, the crude prevalence of total diabetes in people aged > or =20 years was 12.9%, of which approximately 40% was undiagnosed. In people aged > or =20 years, the crude prevalence of impaired fasting glucose was 25.7% and of impaired glucose tolerance was 13.8%, with almost 30% having either. Over 40% of individuals had diabetes or pre-diabetes. Almost one-third of the elderly had diabetes, and three-quarters had diabetes or pre-diabetes. Compared with non-Hispanic whites, age- and sex-standardized prevalence of diagnosed diabetes was approximately twice as high in non-Hispanic blacks (P < 0.0001) and Mexican Americans (P = 0.0001), whereas undiagnosed diabetes was not higher. Crude prevalence of diagnosed diabetes in people aged > or =20 years rose from 5.1% in 1988-1994 to 7.7% in 2005-2006 (P = 0.0001); this was significant after accounting for differences in age and sex, particularly in non-Hispanic blacks. Prevalences of undiagnosed diabetes and pre-diabetes were generally stable, although the proportion of total diabetes that was undiagnosed decreased in Mexican Americans.

CONCLUSIONS

Over 40% of people aged > or =20 years have hyperglycemic conditions, and prevalence is higher in minorities. Diagnosed diabetes has increased over time, but other conditions have been relatively stable.

Prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the United States: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-1994

Previous estimates of the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the US population relied on measures of liver enzymes, potentially underestimating the burden of this disease. We used ultrasonography data from 12,454 adults who participated in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, conducted in the United States from 1988 to 1994. We defined NAFLD as the presence of hepatic steatosis on ultrasonography in the absence of elevated alcohol consumption. In the US population, the rates of prevalence of hepatic steatosis and NAFLD were 21.4% and 19.0%, respectively, corresponding to estimates of 32.5 (95% confidence interval: 29.9, 35.0) million adults with hepatic steatosis and 28.8 (95% confidence interval: 26.6, 31.2) million adults with NAFLD nationwide. After adjustment for age, income, education, body mass index (weight (kg)/height (m)²), and diabetes status, NAFLD was more common in Mexican Americans (24.1%) compared with non-Hispanic whites (17.8%) and non-Hispanic blacks (13.5%) (P = 0.001) and in men (20.2%) compared with women (15.8%) (P < 0.001). Hepatic steatosis and NAFLD were also independently associated with diabetes, with insulin resistance among people without diabetes, with dyslipidemia, and with obesity. Our results extend previous national estimates of the prevalence of NAFLD in the US population and highlight the burden of this disease. Men, Mexican Americans, and people with diabetes and obesity are the most affected groups.

Racial and ethnic differences in glycemic control of adults with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate glycemic control in a representative sample of U.S. adults with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey included national samples of non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, and Mexican Americans aged > or = 20 years. Information on medical history and treatment of diabetes was obtained to determine those who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes by a physician before the survey (n = 1,480). Fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c were measured, and the frequencies of sociodemographic and clinical variables related to glycemic control were determined.

RESULTS

A higher proportion of non-Hispanic blacks were treated with insulin and a higher proportion of Mexican Americans were treated with oral agents compared with non-Hispanic whites, but the majority of adults in each racial or ethnic group (71-83%) used pharmacologic treatment for diabetes. Use of multiple daily insulin injections was more common in whites. Blood glucose self-monitoring was less common in Mexican Americans, but most patients had never self-monitored. HbA1c values in the nondiabetic range were found in 26% of non-Hispanic whites, 17% of non-Hispanic blacks, and 20% of Mexican Americans. Poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 8%) was more common in non-Hispanic black women (50%) and Mexican-American men (45%) compared with the other groups (35-38%), but HbA1c for both sexes and for all racial and ethnic groups was substantially higher than normal levels. Those with HbA1c > 8% included 52% of insulin-treated patients and 42% of those taking oral agents. There was no relationship of glycemic control to socioeconomic status or access to medical care in any racial or ethnic group.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that many patients with type 2 diabetes in the U.S. have poor glycemic control, placing them at high risk of diabetic complications. Non-Hispanic black women, Mexican-American men, and patients treated with insulin and oral agents were disproportionately represented among those in poor glycemic control. Clinical, public health, and research efforts should focus on more effective methods to control blood glucose in patients with diabetes.

Trends in Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease in the United States

Background

Trends in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are important for health care policy and planning.

Objective

To update trends in CKD prevalence.

Design

Repeated cross-sectional study.

Setting

NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) for 1988 to 1994 and every 2 years from 1999 to 2012.

Participants

Adults aged 20 years or older.

Measurements

Chronic kidney disease (stages 3 and 4) was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 15 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m2, estimated with the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation from calibrated serum creatinine measurements. An expanded definition of CKD also included persons with an eGFR of at least 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and a 1-time urine albumin-creatinine ratio of at least 30 mg/g.

Results

The unadjusted prevalence of stage 3 and 4 CKD increased from the late 1990s to the early 2000s. Since 2003 to 2004, however, the overall prevalence has largely stabilized (for example, 6.9% prevalence in 2003 to 2004 and in 2011 to 2012). There was little difference in adjusted prevalence of stage 3 and 4 CKD overall in 2003 to 2004 versus 2011 to 2012 after age, sex, race/ethnicity, and diabetes mellitus status were controlled for (P = 0.26). Lack of increase in CKD prevalence since the early 2000s was observed in most subgroups and with an expanded definition of CKD that included persons with higher eGFRs and albuminuria.

Limitation

Serum creatinine and albuminuria were measured only once in each person.

Conclusion

In a reversal of prior trends, there has been no appreciable increase in the prevalence of stage 3 and 4 CKD in the U.S. population overall during the most recent decade.

Primary Funding Source

American Society of Nephrology Foundation for Kidney Research Student Scholar Grant Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Institutes of Health.

Prevalence of lower-extremity disease in the US adult population >=40 years of age with and without diabetes: 1999-2000 national health and nutrition examination survey

OBJECTIVE

Although lower-extremity disease (LED), which includes lower-extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and peripheral neuropathy (PN), is disabling and costly, no nationally representative estimates of its prevalence exist. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of lower-extremity PAD, PN, and overall LED in the overall U.S. population and among those with and without diagnosed diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The analysis consisted of data for 2873 men and women aged >or=40 years, including 419 with diagnosed diabetes, from the 1999-2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The main outcome measures consisted of the prevalence of lower-extremity PAD (defined as ankle-brachial index <0.9), PN (defined as >or=1 insensate area based on monofilament testing), and of any LED (defined as either PAD, PN, or history of foot ulcer or lower-extremity amputations).

RESULTS

Of the U.S. population aged >or=40 years, 4.5% (95% CI 3.4-5.6) have lower-extremity PAD, 14.8% (12.8-16.8) have PN, and 18.7% (15.9-21.4) have any LED. Prevalence of PAD, PN, and overall LED increases steeply with age and is higher (P < 0.05) in non-Hispanic blacks and Mexican Americans than non-Hispanic whites. The prevalence of LEDs is approximately twice as high for individuals with diagnosed diabetes (PAD 9.5% [5.5-13.4]; PN 28.5% [22.0-35.1]; any LED 30.2% [22.1-38.3]) as the overall population.

CONCLUSIONS

LED is common in the U.S. and twice as high among individuals with diagnosed diabetes. These conditions disproportionately affect the elderly, non-Hispanic blacks, and Mexican Americans.

The importance of place of residence: examining health in rural and nonrural areas

We examined differences in health measures among rural, suburban, and urban residents and factors that contribute to these differences. Whereas differences between rural and urban residents were observed for some health measures, a consistent rural-to-urban gradient was not always found. Often, the most rural and the most urban areas were found to be disadvantaged compared with suburban areas. If health disparities are to be successfully addressed, the relationship between place of residence and health must be understood.

Serum creatinine levels in the US population: third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

This report describes the distribution of serum creatinine levels by sex, age, and ethnic group in a representative sample of the US population. Serum creatinine level was evaluated in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) in 18,723 participants aged 12 years and older who were examined between 1988 and 1994. Differences in mean serum creatinine levels were compared for subgroups defined by sex, age, and ethnicity (non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Mexican-American). The mean serum creatinine value was 0.96 mg/dL for women in the United States and 1.16 mg/dL for men. Overall mean creatinine levels were highest in non-Hispanic blacks (women, 1.01 mg/dL; men, 1.25 mg/dL), lower in non-Hispanic whites (women, 0.97 mg/dL; men, 1.16 mg/dL), and lowest in Mexican-Americans (women, 0.86 mg/dL; men, 1.07 mg/dL). Mean serum creatinine levels increased with age among both men and women in all three ethnic groups, with total US mean levels ranging from 0.88 to 1.10 mg/dL in women and 1.00 to 1.29 mg/dL in men. The highest mean creatinine level was seen in non-Hispanic black men aged 60+ years. In the total US population, creatinine levels of 1.5 mg/dL or greater were seen in 9.74% of men and 1.78% of women. Overall, among the US noninstitutionalized population, 10.9 million people are estimated to have creatinine values of 1.5 mg/dL or greater, 3.0 million have values of 1.7 mg/dL or greater, and 0.8 million have serum creatinine levels of 2.0 mg/dL or greater. Mean serum creatinine values are higher in men, non-Hispanic blacks, and older persons and are lower in Mexican-Americans. In the absence of information on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) or lean body mass, it is not clear to what extent the variability by sex, ethnicity, and age reflects normal physiological differences rather than the presence of kidney disease. Until this information is known, the use of a single cutpoint to define elevated serum creatinine values may be misleading.

Microalbuminuria in the US population: third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Microalbuminuria (MA) is associated with adverse health outcomes in diabetic and hypertensive adults. The prevalence and clinical significance of MA in nondiabetic populations is less clear. The purpose of this study was to generate national estimates of the prevalence of MA in the US population. Untimed urinary albumin concentrations (UACs) and creatinine concentrations were evaluated in a nationally representative sample of 22,244 participants aged 6 years and older. Persons with hematuria and menstruating or pregnant women were excluded from analysis. The percent prevalence of clinical proteinuria (UAC > or = 300 mg/L) was similar for males and females. However, the prevalence of MA (urinary albumin-creatinine ratio [ACR], 30 to 299 mg/g) was significantly lower in males (6.1%) compared with females (9.7%). MA prevalence was greater in children than young adults and increased continuously starting at 40 years of age. MA prevalence was greater in non-Hispanic blacks and Mexican Americans aged 40 to 79 years compared with similar-aged non-Hispanic whites. MA prevalence was 28.8% in persons with previously diagnosed diabetes, 16.0% in those with hypertension, and 5.1% in those without diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or elevated serum creatinine levels. In adults aged 40+ years, after excluding persons with clinical proteinuria, albuminuria (defined as ACR > or = 30 mg/g) was independently associated with older age, non-Hispanic black and Mexican American ethnicity, diabetes, hypertension, and elevated serum creatinine concentration. MA is common, even among persons without diabetes or hypertension. Age, sex, race/ethnicity, and concomitant disease contribute to the variability of MA prevalence estimates.

Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in US adults with undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in people with diagnosed diabetes is known to be high, but little is known about the prevalence of CKD in those with undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes. We aimed to estimate and compare the community prevalence of CKD among people with diagnosed diabetes, undiagnosed diabetes, prediabetes, or no diabetes.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

The 1999 through 2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey is a representative survey of the civilian, noninstitutionalized US population. Participants who were aged > or =20 years; responded to the diabetes questionnaire; and had fasting plasma glucose (FPG), serum creatinine, and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio measurements were included (N = 8188). Diabetes status was defined as follows: Diagnosed diabetes, self-reported provider diagnosis (n = 826); undiagnosed diabetes, FPG > or =126 mg/dl without self-reported diagnosis (n = 299); prediabetes, FPG > or =100 and <126 mg/dl (n = 2272); and no diabetes, FPG <100 mg/dl (n = 4791). Prevalence of CKD was defined by estimated GFR 15 to 59 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) or albumin-creatinine ratio > or =30 mg/g; adjustment was performed with multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Fully 39.6% of people with diagnosed and 41.7% with undiagnosed diabetes had CKD; 17.7% with prediabetes and 10.6% without diabetes had CKD. Age-, gender-, and race/ethnicity-adjusted prevalence of CKD was 32.9, 24.2, 17.1, and 11.8%, for diagnosed, undiagnosed, pre-, and no diabetes, respectively. Among those with CKD, 39.1% had undiagnosed or prediabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

CKD prevalence is high among people with undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes. These individuals might benefit from interventions aimed at preventing development and/or progression of both CKD and diabetes.

Use of GHb (HbA1c) in screening for undiagnosed diabetes in the U.S. population

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use of GHb as a screening test for undiagnosed diabetes (fasting plasma glucose > or =7.0 mmol/l) in a representative sample of the U.S. population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey included national samples of non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, and Mexican Americans aged > or =20 years. Of these subjects, 7,832 participated in a morning examination session, of which 1,273 were excluded because of a previous diagnosis of diabetes, missing data, or fasting time of <8 h before examination. Venous blood was obtained to measure fasting plasma glucose and GHb in the remaining 6,559 subjects. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to examine the sensitivity and specificity of GHb for detecting diabetes at increasing GHb cutoff levels.

RESULTS

GHb demonstrated high sensitivity (83.4%) and specificity (84.4%) for detecting undiagnosed diabetes at a GHb cutoff of 1 SD above the normal mean. Moderate sensitivity (63.2%) and very high specificity (97.4%) were evident at a GHb cutoff of 2 SD above the normal mean. Sensitivity at this level ranged from 58.6% in the non-Hispanic white population to 83.6% in the Mexican-American population; specificity ranged from 93.0% in the nonHispanic black population to 98.3% in the non-Hispanic white population.

CONCLUSIONS

GHb is a highly specific and convenient alternative to fasting plasma glucose for diabetes screening. A GHb value of 2 SD above the normal mean could identify a high proportion of individuals with undiagnosed diabetes who are at risk for developing diabetes complications.

Excess risk of chronic kidney disease among African-American versus white subjects in the United States: a population-based study of potential explanatory factors

African Americans experience higher rates of chronic kidney disease (CKD) than do whites. It was hypothesized that racial differences in modifiable factors would account for much of the excess risk of CKD. A cohort study of 9082 African-American and white adults of age 30 to 74 yr, who participated in the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 1976 to 1980 and were monitored for vital status through 1992 in the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Mortality Study, was conducted. Incident CKD was defined as treated CKD cases (ascertained by linkage to the Medicare Registry) and deaths related to kidney disease. The incidence of all-cause CKD was 2.7 times higher among African Americans, compared with whites. Adjustment for sociodemographic factors decreased the relative risk (RR) to 2.49, explaining 12% of the excess risk of CKD among African Americans. Further adjustment for lifestyle factors explained 24% of the excess risk, whereas adjustment for clinical factors alone explained 32%. Simultaneous adjustment for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors attenuated the RR to 1.95 (95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 3.63), explaining 44% of the excess risk. Although the excess risk of CKD among African Americans was much greater among middle-age adults (30 to 59 yr of age; RR = 4.23, statistically significant) than among older adults (60 to 74 yr of age; RR = 1.27), indicating an interaction between race and age, the same patterns of explanatory factors were observed for the two age groups. Nearly one-half of the excess risk of CKD among African-American adults can be explained on the basis of potentially modifiable risk factors; however, much of the excess risk remains unexplained.

Lifestyle factors, obesity and the risk of chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Some lifestyle behaviors and obesity are risk factors for vascular disease, but their relation to kidney disease is uncertain.

METHODS

To determine whether physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol drinking and obesity are associated with the risk of chronic kidney disease, we examined data from a nonconcurrent cohort study of 9,082 U.S. adults, aged 30-74 years, who participated in the second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II) from 1976 through 1980. By linking the NHANES II Mortality Study with the Medicare end-stage kidney disease registry, we identified 189 incident cases of either treated end-stage kidney disease or chronic kidney disease-related death through 1992.

RESULTS

The risk of chronic kidney disease was related to physical inactivity both with and without adjustment for age, sex, race and body-mass index. The adjusted relative risk (RR) of moderately active versus very active persons was 1.2 (95% confidence interval = 0.7-1.8), and of inactive versus very active was 2.2 (1.3-3.8). Risk was also related to smoking; the RR in smokers of 1-20 cigarettes a day versus never smokers was 1.2 (0.7-2.3), and in smokers of more than 20 cigarettes a day, the RR was 2.3 (1.3-4.2). The RR in morbidly obese (body-mass index >/= 35 kg/m2) compared with normal weight persons was 2.3 (1.1-4.9), but risk was not increased for those classified as overweight or obese. Obesity risk appeared largely mediated by diabetes and hypertension, whereas physical inactivity risk was only partly explained by these factors, and smoking risk was independent of them. Alcohol consumption was not related to chronic kidney disease.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that physical inactivity, smoking and morbid obesity contribute to the risk of chronic kidney disease.

Comparison of diabetes diagnostic categories in the U.S. population according to the 1997 American Diabetes Association and 1980-1985 World Health Organization diagnostic criteria

OBJECTIVE

To compare the 1997 American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the 1980-1985 World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic criteria in categorization of the diabetes diagnostic status of adults in the U.S.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Analyses are based on a probability sample of the U.S. population age 40-74 years in the 1988-1994 Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). People with diabetes diagnosed before the survey were identified by questionnaire. For 2,844 people without diagnosed diabetes, fasting plasma glucose was obtained after an overnight 9 to < 24-h fast, HbA1c was measured, and a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test was administered.

RESULTS

Prevalence of diagnosed diabetes in this age-group is 7.9%. Prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes is 4.4% by ADA criteria and 6.4% by WHO criteria. The net change of -2.0% occurs because 1.0% are classified as having undiagnosed diabetes by ADA criteria but have impaired or normal glucose tolerance by WHO criteria, and 3.0% are classified as having impaired fasting glucose or normal fasting glucose by ADA criteria but have undiagnosed diabetes by WHO criteria. Prevalence of impaired fasting glucose is 10.1% (ADA), compared with 15.6% for impaired glucose tolerance (WHO). For those with undiagnosed diabetes by ADA criteria, 62.1% are above the normal range for HbA1c compared with 47.1% by WHO criteria. Mean HbA1c is 7.07% for undiagnosed diabetes by ADA criteria and 6.58% by WHO criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of people with undiagnosed diabetes by ADA criteria is lower than that by WHO criteria. However, those individuals classified by ADA criteria are more hyperglycemic, with higher HbA1c values and a greater proportion of values above the normal range. This fact, together with the simplicity of obtaining a fasting plasma glucose value, may result in the detection of a greater proportion of people with undiagnosed diabetes in clinical practice using the new ADA diagnostic criteria.

Subclinical states of glucose intolerance and risk of death in the U.S

OBJECTIVE

Although clinically evident type 2 diabetes is a well-established cause of mortality, less is known about subclinical states of glucose intolerance.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data from the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Mortality Study, a prospective study of adults, were analyzed. This analysis focused on a nationally representative sample of 3,174 adults aged 30-75 years who underwent an oral glucose tolerance test at baseline (1976-1980) and who were followed up for death through 1992.

RESULTS

Using 1985 World Health Organization criteria, adults were classified as having previously diagnosed diabetes (n = 248), undiagnosed diabetes (n = 183), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) (n = 480), or normal glucose tolerance (n = 2,263). For these groups, cumulative all-cause mortality through age 70 was 41, 34, 27, and 20%, respectively (P < 0.001). Compared with those with normal glucose tolerance, the multivariate adjusted RR of all-cause mortality was greatest for adults with diagnosed diabetes (RR 2.11, 95% CI 1.56-2.84), followed by those with undiagnosed diabetes (1.77, 1.13-2.75) and those with IGT (1.42, 1.08-1.87; P < 0.001). A similar pattern of risk was observed for cardiovascular disease mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In the U.S., there was a gradient of mortality associated with abnormal glucose tolerance ranging from a 40% greater risk in adults with IGT to a 110% greater risk in adults with clinically evident diabetes. These associations were independent of established cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Adults with Chronic Diseases: United States 2002

BACKGROUND

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) has increased in recent years.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the use of CAM among people with diagnosed chronic diseases.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis was used.

SETTING

The 2002 National Health Interview Survey was the setting.

PATIENTS

Participants were representative of the noninstitutionalized U.S. population 18 years and older.

MEASUREMENTS

Respondents answered questions about use of CAM and physician-diagnosed arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and lung disease.

RESULTS

Adults with diagnosed chronic diseases are more likely to use CAM compared to adults with none of the reported chronic diseases. Adults with arthritis alone were most likely to report ever use of CAM (59.6%) followed by adults with cancer or lung disease alone or two or more chronic diseases (55%), adults with cardiovascular disease (46.4%), and adults with no chronic diseases (43.6%) and diabetes alone (41.4%). Adults with chronic diseases were also more likely to report use of CAM in the past 12 months (32% to 43.3%), followed by adults with none of these chronic diseases (32%), and adults with diabetes alone (26.2%). Less than 30% of CAM users in the past 12 months reported talking to their healthcare professional about CAM use.

LIMITATIONS

Information about CAM use is based on self-report.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of CAM, particularly biologically based CAM therapies, is common and is more likely to be used by those with chronic diseases.

Racial/ethnic differences in weight perception

The objective of this research was to estimate the prevalence of weight misperception among adults using the most recent nationally representative data, according to measured weight category and to assess the relationship between weight misperception and race/ethnicity. Height and weight were measured as part of the 1999-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The study sample consisted of 17,270 adults aged >or=20 years. BMI was categorized as underweight (BMI < 18.5), healthy weight (18.5 </= BMI < 25), overweight (25 <or= BMI < 30), and obese (BMI >or= 30). Subjects reported self-perception of weight status. Among study subjects, 31.7% of healthy weight adults, 38.1% of overweight adults, and 8.1% of obese adults incorrectly perceived their weight category. Among obese men, the odds of weight misperception were higher for non-Hispanic blacks (odds ratio (OR) = 3.0; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.0-4.5) compared to non-Hispanic whites and for persons with less than a high school education (OR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.3-2.1), compared to those with some college education. Among obese women, the odds of weight misperception were higher for non-Hispanic blacks (OR = 3.4; 95% CI = 1.4, 3.1) and Mexican Americans (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.2, 3.2) compared to non-Hispanic whites and for persons with less than high school education compared to those with some college education (OR = 5.5; 95% CI = 3.3-9.3). Weight misperception is highly prevalent in the US population, and more frequent in racial/ethnic minorities, males, and in persons with lower educational levels. Addressing the issue of weight misperception may help address the problem of obesity in the United States by increasing awareness of healthy weight levels, which may subsequently have an impact on weight-related behavior change.

Age and the burden of death attributable to diabetes in the United States

Diabetes is a well-established cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality. The burden of death attributable to diabetes in the United States is not well quantified, particularly with regard to age. The authors analyzed data from the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II) (1976-1980) and the NHANES II Mortality Study, in which a nationally representative cohort of 9,250 adults aged 30-75 years was followed for 12-16 years, to determine all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Overall, between 1976 and 1980, the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes was 4.3%. By 1992, the relative hazard of all-cause mortality was 1.9 (95% confidence interval: 1.5, 2.3), and the population attributable risk (PAR) was 3.6%. The relative hazard of CVD mortality was 2.3 (95% confidence interval: 1.8, 2.8), and the PAR was 5.2%. Including participants with undiagnosed diabetes in the estimates increased the PAR for all-cause mortality to 5.1% and that for CVD mortality to 6.8%. Women had a higher prevalence of diagnosed diabetes than men and a greater relative hazard of death than nondiabetic women, leading to a higher PAR for women (3.8% for all causes and 7.3% for CVD) versus men (3.3% for all causes and 3.8% for CVD). These data suggest that diabetes accounts for at least 3.6% of all deaths and 5.2% of CVD deaths in US adults. Improvements in diabetes prevention and treatment should produce noticeable effects on US life expectancy.

Distribution of HbA(1c) levels for children and young adults in the U.S.: Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

OBJECTIVE

To describe the distribution of HbA(1c) levels among children and young adults in the U.S. and to evaluate the effects of age, sex, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, parental history of diabetes, overweight, and serum glucose on HbA(1c) levels.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed HbA(1c) data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-1994, for 7,968 participants aged 5-24 years who had not been treated for diabetes. After adjusting for the complex sample design, we compared the distributions of HbA(1c) in subgroups and developed multiple linear regression models to examine factors associated with HbA(1c).

RESULTS

Mean HbA(1c) level was 4.99% (SD 0.50%) and varied from 4.93% (95% CI +/-0.04) in non-Hispanic whites to 5.05% (+/-0.02) in Mexican-Americans to 5.17% (+/-0.02) in non-Hispanic blacks. There were very small differences among subgroups. Within each age- group, among men and women, among overweight and nonoverweight subjects, and at any level of education, mean HbA(1c) levels were higher in non-Hispanic blacks than in non-Hispanic whites. After adjusting for confounders, HbA(1c) levels for non-Hispanic blacks (5.15%, 95% CI +/-0.04) and Mexican-Americans (5.01%, +/-0.04) were higher than those for non-Hispanic whites (4.93%, +/-0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

These data provide national reference levels for HbA(1c) distributions among Americans aged 5-24 years and show statistically significant racial/ethnic differences in HbA(1c) levels that are not completely explained by demographic and health-related variables.

Abnormal glucose tolerance and the risk of cancer death in the United States

Although abnormal glucose tolerance is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, its relation to cancer risk is less certain. Therefore, the authors performed a prospective cohort study using data from the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Mortality Study to determine this relation. This analysis focused upon a nationally representative sample of 3,054 adults aged 30-74 years who underwent an oral glucose tolerance test at baseline (1976-1980). Deaths were identified by searching national mortality files through 1992. Adults were classified as having either previously diagnosed diabetes (n = 247), undiagnosed diabetes (n = 180), impaired glucose tolerance (n = 477), or normal glucose tolerance (n = 2250). There were 195 cancer deaths during 40,024 person-years of follow-up. Compared with those having normal glucose tolerance, adults with impaired glucose tolerance had the greatest adjusted relative hazard of cancer mortality (relative hazard = 1.87, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06, 3.31), followed by those with undiagnosed diabetes (relative hazard = 1.31, 95% CI: 0.48, 3.56) and diabetes (relative hazard = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.49, 2.62). These data suggest that, in the United States, impaired glucose tolerance is an independent predictor for cancer mortality.

Association between variants in or near PNPLA3, GCKR, and PPP1R3B with ultrasound-defined steatosis based on data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

BACKGROUND & AIMS

A genome-wide association study associated 5 genetic variants with hepatic steatosis (identified by computerized tomography) in individuals of European ancestry. We investigated whether these variants were associated with measures of hepatic steatosis (HS) in non-Hispanic white (NHW), non-Hispanic black, and Mexican American (MA) participants in the US population-based National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, phase 2.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 4804 adults (1825 NHW, 1442 non-Hispanic black, and 1537 MA; 51.7% women; mean age at examination, 42.5 y); the weighted prevalence of HS was 37.3%. We investigated whether ultrasound-measured HS, with and without increased levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), or level of ALT alone, was associated with rs738409 (patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 [PNPLA3]), rs2228603 (neurocan [NCAN]), rs12137855 (lysophospholipase-like 1), rs780094 (glucokinase regulatory protein [GCKR]), and rs4240624 (protein phosphatase 1, regulatory subunit 3b [PPP1R3B]) using regression modeling in an additive genetic model, controlling for age, age-squared, sex, and alcohol consumption.

RESULTS

The G allele of rs738409 (PNPLA3) and the T allele of rs780094 (GCKR) were associated with HS with a high level of ALT (odds ratio [OR], 1.36; P = .01; and OR, 1.30; P = .03, respectively). The A allele of rs4240624 (PPP1R3B) and the T allele of rs2228603 (NCAN) were associated with HS (OR, 1.28; P = .03; and OR, 1.40; P = .04, respectively). Variants of PNPLA3 and NCAN were associated with ALT level among all 3 ancestries. Some single-nucleotide polymorphisms were associated with particular races or ethnicities: variants in PNPLA3, NCAN, GCKR, and PPP1R3B were associated with NHW and variants in PNPLA3 were associated with MA. No variants were associated with NHB.

CONCLUSIONS

We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III to validate the association between rs738409 (PNPLA3), rs780094 (GCKR), and rs4240624 (PPP1R3B) with HS, with or without increased levels of ALT, among 3 different ancestries. Some, but not all, associations between variants in NCAN, lysophospholipase-like 1, GCKR, and PPP1R3B with HS (with and without increased ALT level) were significant within subpopulations.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use among persons with chronic kidney disease in the United States

PURPOSE

Because avoidance of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is recommended for most individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), we sought to characterize patterns of NSAID use among persons with CKD in the United States.

METHODS

A total of 12,065 adult (aged 20 years or older) participants in the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2004) responded to a questionnaire regarding their use of over-the-counter and prescription NSAIDs. NSAIDs (excluding aspirin and acetaminophen) were defined by self-report. CKD was categorized as no CKD, mild CKD (stages 1 and 2; urinary albumin-creatinine ratio of ≥ 30 mg/g) and moderate to severe CKD (stages 3 and 4; estimated glomerular filtration rate of 15-59 mL/min/1.73 m(2)). Adjusted prevalence was calculated using multivariable logistic regression with appropriate population-based weighting.

RESULTS

Current use (nearly every day for 30 days or longer) of any NSAID was reported by 2.5%, 2.5%, and 5.0% of the US population with no, mild, and moderate to severe CKD, respectively; nearly all of the NSAIDs used were available over-the-counter. Among those with moderate to severe CKD who were currently using NSAIDs, 10.2% had a current NSAID prescription and 66.1% had used NSAIDs for 1 year or longer. Among those with CKD, disease awareness was not associated with reduced current NSAID use: (3.8% vs 3.9%, aware vs unaware; P=.979).

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians and other health care clinicians should be aware of use of NSAIDs among those with CKD in the United States and evaluate NSAID use in their CKD patients.

Correlates of insulin antibodies in newly diagnosed children with insulin-dependent diabetes before insulin therapy

Insulin antibodies, as measured by plasma radiolabeled insulin-binding capacity, were determined in 124 newly diagnosed insulin-dependent diabetic (IDDM) children before and after 1, 3, and 5 days of insulin therapy. Controls were 35 nondiabetic children with plasma insulin binding capacity of 1.0 +/- 0.7%. The patients were divided into three groups according to their plasma insulin-binding capacity. Group 1 (N = 79) had binding within two standard deviations (SD) of the control mean, group 2 (N = 20) had insulin binding 2-6 SD above controls, and group 3 (N = 25) showed insulin-binding capacity of more than 6 SD above the control mean. After exogenous insulin therapy, plasma 125I-insulin-binding capacity dropped significantly in both groups 2 and 3, concurrent with significant increases in plasma insulin levels. The three groups differed from each other in that patients in group 3 were significantly younger than in the other groups and clinically seemed to be more severely dehydrated, as reflected in their higher levels of serum urea nitrogen, plasma glucose, potassium, and elevated pulse rate. The three groups did not differ in respect to sex, HLA-DR antigens, Coxsackie-B antibody titers, islet cell cytoplasmic antibodies, immunoglobulin level, and C-peptide levels. Only two of 446 siblings of IDDM children showed elevated insulin binding, one of whom developed IDDM 6 wk later. The presence of an insulin-binding substance probably representing insulin antibodies in some cases of newly diagnosed IDDM suggests that autoimmunity in this disorder is not limited to the B-cell membrane and cytoplasm and lends further support to the heterogeneity of IDDM.

Diabetes and fracture risk in older U.S. adults

OBJECTIVE

We examined the diabetes-fracture relationship by race/ethnicity, including the link between pre-diabetes and fracture.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We used Medicare- and mortality-linked data for respondents aged 65years and older from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) and NHANES 1999-2004 for three race/ethnic groups: non-Hispanic whites (NHW), non-Hispanic blacks (NHB), and Mexican Americans (MA). Diabetes was defined as diagnosed diabetes (self-reported) and diabetes status: diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes (positive diagnosis or hemoglobin A1c (A1C)≥6.5%); pre-diabetes (no diagnosis and A1C between 5.7% and 6.4%); and no diabetes (no diagnosis and A1C<5.7%). Non-skull fractures (n=750) were defined using published algorithms. Hazards ratios (HRs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

The diabetes-fracture relationship differed significantly by race/ethnicity (pinteraction<0.05). Compared to those without diagnosed diabetes, the HRs for those with diagnosed diabetes were 2.37 (95% CI 1.49-3.75), 1.87 (95% CI 1.02-3.40), and 1.22 (95% CI 0.93-1.61) for MA, NHB, and NHW, respectively, after adjusting for significant confounders. HRs for diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes were similar to those for diagnosed diabetes alone. Pre-diabetes was not significantly related to fracture risk, however. Compared to those without diabetes, adjusted HRs for those with pre-diabetes were 1.42 (95% CI 0.72-2.81), and 1.20 (95% CI 0.96-1.51) for MA and NHW, respectively. There were insufficient fracture cases to examine detailed diabetes status in NHB.

CONCLUSIONS

The diabetes-fracture relationship was stronger in MA and NHB. Pre-diabetes was not significantly associated with higher fracture risk, however.