Diabetes is becoming increasingly prevalent among populations with cardiovascular risk factors, particularly among those aged 35 to 75 residing in Hainan Province, China. A recent study aimed to understand the influencing factors of diabetes within this demographic to guide the development of effective prevention strategies.
Conducted from January 2016 to February 2023, the study screened 71,819 residents, identifying 12,936 individuals at high cardiovascular risk, of whom 2,908 were diagnosed with diabetes. Researchers utilized methods such as t-tests, chi-square tests, and multifactorial logistic regression to analyze lifestyle, dietary habits, blood glucose levels, and medical history among participants.
The results revealed several significant risk factors for diabetes within this high-risk group. Increased body mass index (BMI) was associated with diabetes, with odds ratios indicating higher risk for individuals with elevated systolic blood pressure and frequent seafood consumption, defined as more than three times per month. Specifically, results showed: BMI (OR = 1.071), Sodium systolic blood pressure (OR = 1.005), and Seafood intake (OR = 8.098) posed higher risks, emphasizing the novel dietary patterns of this population.
Conversely, certain lifestyle choices appeared to buffer against diabetes. High educational attainment—specifically those with high school diplomas or higher—and increased physical activity (four or more times weekly) reduced diabetes risk. The discretionary consumption of fresh fruits (four or more times weekly) and vegetables (one to three times weekly) was also seen as protective against the condition.
An overarching statistic revealed the overall diabetes prevalence among the 12,936 high-risk individuals to be 22.46%, comprising 24.14% among men and 21.32% among women. This highlighted the concerning trend of diabetes incidence coinciding with other cardiovascular risks—an area previously noted for growing concern as diabetes can exacerbate cardiovascular diseases.
These findings carry significant public health importance, especially considering the dual burden of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which can lead to compound complications and higher mortality rates. Enhancing screening methods and promoting healthy lifestyle shifts are pivotal for reducing disease proliferation rates among high-risk groups. "Enhanced screening, follow-up, and promotion of healthy lifestyles, including diet and weight control, were needed to lower disease risks," wrote the authors of the article, underlining the necessity of proactive intervention.
Despite the established relationship between dietary habits and health, the study also uncovered unexpected results relating to seafood consumption. Existing research suggests seafood intake, particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids, may reduce diabetes risk. Nonetheless, the findings indicated higher seafood consumption was correlated with increased diabetes risk within the Hainan population. This contradiction raises questions about how local dietary preparation methods—including the use of sauces—may inadvertently amplify diabetes risks due to hidden additives or unhealthy cooking methods.
Overall, the study provides valuable insights not only for Hainan Province but also for other regions facing similar health challenges. It advocates for continued research and exploration of the connections between dietary patterns, lifestyle choices, and diabetes prevalence among high-risk cardiovascular populations. With diabetes rates rising sharply, especially under modern urbanization pressures and shifting dietary habits, strategic health interventions must be commenced to curtail the potentially dire health repercussions.
Through targeted efforts, including improved screening for diabetes risk factors, achieving enhanced knowledge about diet-related health, and supporting healthier lifestyle choices, significant strides can be made toward combating diabetes prevalence and its associated complications.