The Prevalence of Impaired Fasting Glucose in Thais is influenced by Age and Gender

ABSTRACT To study the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) by age and gender in Thais and to estimate the cost of IFG screening initiated in selected age groups. All individuals who had their fasting plasma glucose measured as a part of yearly physical examination program from January 2002 to December 2004. None is known to be hyperglycemic. Participants were categorized into eight age groups. The age-specific prevalence of IFG was calculated and determined for the age and gender trends. The population estimated is based on Thailand 2002 census. Plasma glucose increased with age in both genders (r = 0.30, P<0.01 for male and r = 0.36, P<0.01 for female). As a group, the mean plasma glucose was elevated in male compared to female (101 ± 25 vs. 93 ± 19 mg/dl, P<0.01). The age-specific plasma glucose was higher in male (ANCOVA, P<0.01). The overall estimated prevalence was 22.2 % for IFG (8.3 million people) and 4.4% for undiagnosed DM (1.8 million people). The age trend was observed for the prevalence of undiagnosed hyperglycemia (IFG and undiagnosed DM). The age-specific prevalence of undiagnosed hyperglycemia was higher in male compared to female (ANCOVA, P<0.01). The probability of identifying these individuals improves if screening is performed at older age (ANCOVA, P<0.01). The fasting plasma glucose varies with age and gender. The epidemic of undiagnosed hyperglycemia is an immanent public health concern. Our findings provide an important information for establishing a screening program to prevent and control DM. Key words: impaired fasting glucose, gender, age-specific prevalence, diabetes mellitus (DM), and screening program