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Predicting prediabetes in a rural community: a survey among the Karen ethnic community, Thasongyang, Thailand

Authors Lorga T, Aung MN , Naunboonruang P, Thinuan P, Praipaksin N, Deesakul T, Inwan U, Yingtaweesak T, Manokulanan P, Suangkaew S, Payaprom A

Received 2 November 2011

Accepted for publication 20 November 2011

Published 1 March 2012 Volume 2012:5 Pages 219—225

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/IJGM.S27876

Review by Single anonymous peer review

Peer reviewer comments 2



Thaworn Lorga1, Myo Nyein Aung1,2, Prissana Naunboonruang1, Payom Thinuan1, Nara Praipaksin3, Tida Deesakul3, Utumporn Inwan3, Tawatchai Yingtaweesak4, Pratumpan Manokulanan1, Srisomporn Suangkaew1, Apiradee Payaprom4
1Boromarajonani College of Nursing Nakhon Lampang (BCNLP), Lampang, Thailand; 2Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan; 3Baan Rekati Health Station, Thasongyang, Tak, Thailand; 4Thasongyang Hospital, Thasongyang, Tak, Thailand

Background: Diabetes is a growing epidemic in both urban and rural communities worldwide.
Aim: We aimed to survey fasting plasma glucose (FPG) status and awareness of diabetes in the rural Karen ethnic community. We investigated the predictors of impaired fasting plasma glucose (IFG) status, which would be easily applicable for prevention of diabetes in a rural community.
Materials and methods: This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted at Thasongyang, the most north-western district in Thailand. A total of 299 Karen ethnic rural residents were included in the study. FPG, body mass index, and waist circumference were prospectively measured. We assessed the awareness of diabetes and lifestyle-related health behavior with closed questionnaires in a rural community setting.
Results: On screening for FPG, 16.72% of the Karen ethnic residents had hyperglycemia: 3.68% in the diabetic range and 13.04% in the prediabetic range respectively. After adjustment for age, sex, and BMI, waist circumference (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29–9.57), and having a diabetic blood relative (aOR 4.6, CI 1.81–11.71) are significant predictors of IFG status.
Conclusion: It is necessary to promote awareness of diabetes among the Karen ethnic community. Application of simple evidence-based predictors of the prediabetic state may lead to timely and effective prevention of diabetes in rural settings.

Keywords: diabetes, prediabetes, fasting plasma glucose, Thailand, Karen ethnic community, predictors, rural health

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