A community-based epidemiologic study on gallstone disease among type 2 diabetics in Kinmen, Taiwan

Background: This study was conducted to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of gallstone disease (GSD) among type 2 diabetics in Kinmen, Taiwan. Methods: Based on a total of 858 type 2 diabetics ascertained in 1991-1993, an ultrasound sonography screening was performed by a panel of specialists in 2001. A total of 440 (51.3%) subjects were examined. Results: Sixty-three out of 440 type 2 diabetics were diagnosed with GSD. The overall prevalence of GSD was 14.4%, including single stone 8.0% (n = 35), multiple stones 3.2% ( n = 14), and cholecystectomy 3.2% ( n = 14). The significant risk factors of GSD based on multiple logistic regression analysis were age (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02-1.10) and BMI (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.01-1.22). Conclusions: Our results found that older age and higher BMI may increase the risk of developing GSD in type 2 diabetics. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.