Epidemiology of Adult Diabetes Mellitus and its Correlates in Pars Cohort Study in Southern Iran

Background: The burden of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing worldwide, especially in countries such as Iran. Modifiable correlates of the DM may be different across regions. We aimed to estimate the population-based prevalence of DM and its correlates among adults in southern Iran.

Methods: Baseline data of the Pars Cohort Study (PCS) was analyzed. Demographic and socio-economic characteristics, alcohol consumption, opium and tobacco abuse and cigarette smoking, laboratory findings, anthropometric measurements and perceived body shape at 15 and 30 years of age using pictogram were measured and analyzed. The age-standardized prevalence of DM was estimated. Robust Poisson regression was applied to estimate adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) and 95% robust confidence intervals (CI). A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Out of 9264 individuals, 919 (9.9%; 95% CI: 9.3-10.6) had DM. The prevalence of DM among the males and females was 7.6% (95% CI: 6.8-8.5) and 11.9% (95% CI: 10.9-12.9), respectively. Higher age, female gender, high socioeconomic status and using antihypertensive medication were associated with higher DM prevalence. Also, triglyceride level, physical inactivity, higher body mass index (BMI), pictogram score at 15, and its change from 15 to 30 years of age were significantly associated with DM.

Conclusion: Higher prevalence of modifiable factors such as physical inactivity and obesity among DM patients in the study population highlights the necessity of more effective preventive interventions in such settings, especially in younger ages.