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 = 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