Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome in Middle-aged and Elderly Adults : a Population-based Study in Jiangsu Province, China

BACKGROUND: Chronic diseases like diabetes and metabolic syndrome are increasing rapidly in China. The present study was a part of an ongoing prospective follow-up project aiming to develop necessary health strategy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of diabetes and metabolic syndrome and to identify their associated risk factors among middle-aged and elderly participants in Jiangsu province, China. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: As the baseline survey of a follow-up programme, this population-based cross-sectional study was performed on 3914 adults aged 35-74 years living in urban and rural areas of 4 cities in Jiangsu province, eastern China. The prevalence of diabetes and metabolic syndrome was assessed according to WHO, IDF and modified ATP III criteria. Potential socio-demographic and lifestyle risk factors were also analyzed. Data was collected by interviewer-administered questionnaire, biophysical assessment and biochemical examination. RESULTS: Age-Standardized prevalence of diabetes and IFG was 6.8% and 21.0% respectively. Family history of diabetes was an important predictor of diabetes in the study population. However, BMI was found as the strongest significant risk factor for the development of diabetes. The adjusted prevalence of metabolic syndrome defined by WHO, IDF and modified ATP III criteria was 12.3%, 21.8% and 31.5%, respectively. Gender, age and BMI status were significant risk factors for metabolic syndrome independent of definition, while higher education level for WHO MetS, habit of tea consumption for modified ATP III MetS were protective factors in the study population. The diabetes and metabolic syndrome were more common in female than in male (p<0.05). Substantial agreement (ê=0.79) was found between IDF and modified ATP III definitions. In addition, weight gain was particularly risk factor for each disorder among originally normal weight population (p