Prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes in Sri Lanka: a new global hotspot–estimates from the Sri Lanka Health and Ageing Survey 2018/2019
Authors' conclusion
Study limitations included using only a single visit to assess diabetes, relying on self-reported fasting times, and unavailability of glycated hemoglobin for most participants. Our results indicate that Sri Lanka has a very high diabetes prevalence, significantly higher than previous estimates of 8%-15% and higher than current global estimates for any other Asian country. Our results have implications for other populations of South Asian origin, and the high prevalence of diabetes and dysglycemia at normal body weight indicates the need for further research to understand the underlying drivers.
Study context
- Population
- Sri Lankan adults, first wave of the Sri Lanka Health and Ageing Study (SLHAS) 2018/2019
- Participants
- 6,661 adults
- Outcome
- Prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes (previous diagnosis, FPG, or FPG and 2-h PG)
Methodological detailsnationally representative, weighted for study design and participation, Limitations: single visit to assess diabetes, self-reported fasting times, HbA1c unavailable for most participants
- Nationally representative
- Weighted for study design and participation
- Limitations: single visit to assess diabetes, self-reported fasting times, HbA1c unavailable for most participants
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Crude diabetes prevalence (2-h PG and fasting plasma glucose (FPG)), 95% CI 21.2% to 24.7%
- 23.0%
- Age-standardized diabetes prevalence, 95% CI 20.1% to 23.5%
- 21.8%
- Diabetes prevalence using only FPG, 95% CI 7.1% to 19.8%
- 18.5%
- Previously diagnosed diabetes prevalence (all adults), 95% CI 13.1% to 15.5%
- 14.3%
- Pre-diabetes prevalence, 95% CI 28.2% to 32.7%
- 30.5%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Diabetes prevalence by characteristics
- Diabetes prevalence increased with age until ages ≥70 years and was more prevalent in female, urban, more affluent and Muslim adults
Diabetes and pre-diabetes prevalence by body mass index (BMI)
- Diabetes prevalence in normal weight
- 21%
- Pre-diabetes prevalence in normal weight
- 29%
- Prevalence increased with BMI
Original publication
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