Prevalence of prediabetes, diabetes, diabetes awareness, treatment, and its socioeconomic inequality in west of Iran

We aim to estimate the prevalence of prediabetes, and diabetes mellitus (DM). We estimated awareness, treatment, plasma glucose control, and associated factors in diabetes, as well as, socioeconomic-related inequality in the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes. Data for adults aged 35-70 years were obtained from the baseline phase of the Dehgolan prospective cohort study (DehPCS). Diabetes status was determined as fasting plasma glucose (FPG) of >= 126 mg/dl and/or taking glucose lowering medication confirmed by a medical practitioner. Prediabetes was considered as 100 <= FPG <= 125 mg/dl. The relative concentration index (RCI) was used to exhibit socioeconomic inequality in the prevalence of prediabetes and DM. Prevalence of prediabetes and DM, diabetes awareness and treatment, and glycemic control of DM 18.22%, 10.00%, 78.50%, 68.91% and, 28.50%, respectively. Increasing age (p < 0.001), Increasing body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.05), ex-smoker (p < 0.01), family history of diabetes (FHD) (p < 0.001), and comorbidity (p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for DM. Age group of 46-60 (p < 0.05), ex-smoker (p < 0.05), FHD (p < 0.05) were increased chance of awareness. Current smokers (p < 0.05), and higher education increase the chance of glycemic control in DM. Both DM (RCI = - 0.234) and prediabetes (RCI = - 0.122) were concentrated significantly among less-educated participants. DM was concentrated significantly among poor (RCI = - 0.094) people. A significant proportion of DM awareness and treatment can be due to the integration of diabetes into the primary health care system. The high prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes, which is affected by socioeconomic inequality and combined with low levels of glycemic control may place a greater burden on the health system. Therefore, awareness, receiving treatment, and glycemic control in people with diabetes, and the socioeconomic status of people have become increasingly important in the near future.

Automated summary

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes mellitus (DM), and its association with socioeconomic inequality. The study found high prevalence of prediabetes and DM, and low levels of glycemic control. Age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, family history of diabetes, and comorbidity were identified as independent risk factors for DM. Age group, family history of diabetes, and education level were associated with diabetes awareness and glycemic control. Lower socioeconomic status was associated with higher prevalence of prediabetes and DM. The findings highlight the importance of awareness, treatment, and glycemic control strategies in diabetes prevention and management.