TRENDS IN THE PREVALENCE OF TYPE 2 DIABETES AMONG ROYAL THAI ARMY PERSONNEL AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS FROM 2017 TO 2021

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is one of the essential noncommunicable diseases associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. However, limited information is available regarding type 2 diabetes (T2D) among Royal Thai Army (RTA) personnel. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of T2D among RTA personnel and its associated factors. Methods: We carried out a serial cross-sectional study from 2017 to 2021. A total of 235,491 active-duty RTA personnel aged 35–60 years were included in the study. We defined T2D as fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dL or having a history of T2D diagnosed by medical personnel, or having a history of taking antihyperglycemic medication. We used a multivariable logistic regression model to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (APR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for behavioral factors associated with T2D. Results: Age- and sex-adjusted T2D prevalence among RTA personnel was 17.9% (95% CI 17.5%- 18.2% in 2017 and then decreased to 16.5% (95% CI 16.1%–16.8%) in 2021 (p for trend < 0.001). The age-adjusted prevalence of T2D among males and females was 17.6 (95% CI 17.4%–17.8%) and 11.3 (95% CI 11.0%–11.7%), respectively. The independent behavioral factors associated with T2D included current cigarette smoking (APR 1.12; 95%CI 1.10-1.14), current alcohol use (APR 1.03; 95%CI 1.01-1.05), regular exercise (APR 0.89; 95%CI 0.87-0.90), body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 (APR 2.21; 95%CI 2.15-2.27) and hypertension comorbidity (APR 3.97; 95%CI 3.88-4.05). Conclusion: Our study indicated that T2D is a common health issue, especially among males, higher-aged participants and RTA personnel residing in Bangkok and the northeast. Cigarette smoking, alcohol use, and sedentary behavior played an essential role in the prevalence of T2D in this population. Furthermore, obesity and HT comorbidity were related to T2D.