Gender differences in trends in diabetes prevalence from 1993 to 2008 in Taiwan

We examined time trends in the prevalence of diabetes using nationally representative samples, with a focus on gender differences. Data were from the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT), 1993-1996 (n = 2700), and NAHSIT 2004-2008 (n = 2258). Participants aged 19 years or older with adequate fasting glucose data were included. When needed, rates were standardized to the year 2000 WHO 5-year interval population for comparisons. The prevalence increased significantly in men, whose standardized rate increased from 4.6% to 9.3%. In women, the age standardized prevalence decreased slightly from 7.9% to 6.4%. High triglycerides (>= 150 mg/dL) was associated with diabetes with odds ratios (OR) of 2.14, and 2.69 (all with p < 0.05) in the two surveys. High waist circumference (men >= 90 cm; women >= 80 cm) was also associated with diabetes with ORs of 2.52, and 1.93 (all with p < 0.05). We recommend the development of innovative health promotion programs targeting not only the general population, but also high risk groups such as men, to further reduce diabetes. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.