Global variations in diabetes mellitus based on fasting glucose and haemogloblin A1c

Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) are both used to diagnose diabetes, but may identify different people as having diabetes. We used data from 117 population-based studies and quantified, in different world regions, the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes, and whether those who were previously undiagnosed and detected as having diabetes in survey screening had elevated FPG, HbA1c, or both. We developed prediction equations for estimating the probability that a person without previously diagnosed diabetes, and at a specific level of FPG, had elevated HbA1c, and vice versa. The age-standardised proportion of diabetes that was previously undiagnosed, and detected in survey screening, ranged from 30% in the high-income western region to 66% in south Asia. Among those with screen-detected diabetes with either test, the agestandardised proportion who had elevated levels of both FPG and HbA1c was 29-39% across regions; the remainder had discordant elevation of FPG or HbA1c. In most low- and middle-income regions, isolated elevated HbA1c more common than isolated elevated FPG. In these regions, the use of FPG alone may delay diabetes diagnosis and underestimate diabetes prevalence. Our prediction equations help allocate finite resources for measuring HbA1c to reduce the global gap in diabetes diagnosis and surveillance.peer-reviewe

Worldwide trends in hypertension prevalence and progress in treatment and control from 1990 to 2019: a pooled analysis of 1201 population-representative studies with 104 million participants.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension can be detected at the primary health-care level and low-cost treatments can effectively control hypertension. We aimed to measure the prevalence of hypertension and progress in its detection, treatment, and control from 1990 to 2019 for 200 countries and territories. METHODS: We used data from 1990 to 2019 on people aged 30-79 years from population-representative studies with measurement of blood pressure and data on blood pressure treatment. We defined hypertension as having systolic blood pressure 140 mm Hg or greater, diastolic blood pressure 90 mm Hg or greater, or taking medication for hypertension. We applied a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate the prevalence of hypertension and the proportion of people with hypertension who had a previous diagnosis (detection), who were taking medication for hypertension (treatment), and whose hypertension was controlled to below 140/90 mm Hg (control). The model allowed for trends over time to be non-linear and to vary by age. FINDINGS: The number of people aged 30-79 years with hypertension doubled from 1990 to 2019, from 331 (95% credible interval 306-359) million women and 317 (292-344) million men in 1990 to 626 (584-668) million women and 652 (604-698) million men in 2019, despite stable global age-standardised prevalence. In 2019, age-standardised hypertension prevalence was lowest in Canada and Peru for both men and women; in Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and some countries in western Europe including Switzerland, Spain, and the UK for women; and in several low-income and middle-income countries such as Eritrea, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Solomon Islands for men. Hypertension prevalence surpassed 50% for women in two countries and men in nine countries, in central and eastern Europe, central Asia, Oceania, and Latin America. Globally, 59% (55-62) of women and 49% (46-52) of men with hypertension reported a previous diagnosis of hypertension in 2019, and 47% (43-51) of women and 38% (35-41) of men were treated. Control rates among people with hypertension in 2019 were 23% (20-27) for women and 18% (16-21) for men. In 2019, treatment and control rates were highest in South Korea, Canada, and Iceland (treatment >70%; control >50%), followed by the USA, Costa Rica, Germany, Portugal, and Taiwan. Treatment rates were less than 25% for women and less than 20% for men in Nepal, Indonesia, and some countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania. Control rates were below 10% for women and men in these countries and for men in some countries in north Africa, central and south Asia, and eastern Europe. Treatment and control rates have improved in most countries since 1990, but we found little change in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania. Improvements were largest in high-income countries, central Europe, and some upper-middle-income and recently high-income countries including Costa Rica, Taiwan, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Brazil, Chile, Turkey, and Iran. INTERPRETATION: Improvements in the detection, treatment, and control of hypertension have varied substantially across countries, with some middle-income countries now outperforming most high-income nations. The dual approach of reducing hypertension prevalence through primary prevention and enhancing its treatment and control is achievable not only in high-income countries but also in low-income and middle-income settings. FUNDING: WHO

Worldwide trends in hypertension prevalence and progress in treatment and control from 1990 to 2019: a pooled analysis of 1201 population-representative studies with 104 million participants

Background Hypertension can be detected at the primary health-care level and low-cost treatments can effectively control hypertension. We aimed to measure the prevalence of hypertension and progress in its detection, treatment, and control from 1990 to 2019 for 200 countries and territories. Methods We used data from 1990 to 2019 on people aged 30–79 years from population-representative studies with measurement of blood pressure and data on blood pressure treatment. We defined hypertension as having systolic blood pressure 140 mm Hg or greater, diastolic blood pressure 90 mm Hg or greater, or taking medication for hypertension. We applied a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate the prevalence of hypertension and the proportion of people with hypertension who had a previous diagnosis (detection), who were taking medication for hypertension (treatment), and whose hypertension was controlled to below 140/90 mm Hg (control). The model allowed for trends over time to be non-linear and to vary by age. Findings The number of people aged 30–79 years with hypertension doubled from 1990 to 2019, from 331 (95% credible interval 306–359) million women and 317 (292–344) million men in 1990 to 626 (584–668) million women and 652 (604–698) million men in 2019, despite stable global age-standardised prevalence. In 2019, age-standardised hypertension prevalence was lowest in Canada and Peru for both men and women; in Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and some countries in western Europe including Switzerland, Spain, and the UK for women; and in several low-income and middle-income countries such as Eritrea, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Solomon Islands for men. Hypertension prevalence surpassed 50% for women in two countries and men in nine countries, in central and eastern Europe, central Asia, Oceania, and Latin America. Globally, 59% (55–62) of women and 49% (46–52) of men with hypertension reported a previous diagnosis of hypertension in 2019, and 47% (43–51) of women and 38% (35–41) of men were treated. Control rates among people with hypertension in 2019 were 23% (20–27) for women and 18% (16–21) for men. In 2019, treatment and control rates were highest in South Korea, Canada, and Iceland (treatment >70%; control >50%), followed by the USA, Costa Rica, Germany, Portugal, and Taiwan. Treatment rates were less than 25% for women and less than 20% for men in Nepal, Indonesia, and some countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania. Control rates were below 10% for women and men in these countries and for men in some countries in north Africa, central and south Asia, and eastern Europe. Treatment and control rates have improved in most countries since 1990, but we found little change in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania. Improvements were largest in high-income countries, central Europe, and some upper-middle-income and recently high-income countries including Costa Rica, Taiwan, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Brazil, Chile, Turkey, and Iran. Interpretation Improvements in the detection, treatment, and control of hypertension have varied substantially across countries, with some middle-income countries now outperforming most high-income nations. The dual approach of reducing hypertension prevalence through primary prevention and enhancing its treatment and control is achievable not only in high-income countries but also in low-income and middle-income settings

Worldwide trends in hypertension prevalence and progress in treatment and control from 1990 to 2019: a pooled analysis of 1201 population-representative studies with 104 million participants

Background Hypertension can be detected at the primary health-care level and low-cost treatments can effectively control hypertension. We aimed to measure the prevalence of hypertension and progress in its detection, treatment, and control from 1990 to 2019 for 200 countries and territories. Methods We used data from 1990 to 2019 on people aged 30–79 years from population-representative studies with measurement of blood pressure and data on blood pressure treatment. We defined hypertension as having systolic blood pressure 140 mm Hg or greater, diastolic blood pressure 90 mm Hg or greater, or taking medication for hypertension. We applied a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate the prevalence of hypertension and the proportion of people with hypertension who had a previous diagnosis (detection), who were taking medication for hypertension (treatment), and whose hypertension was controlled to below 140/90 mm Hg (control). The model allowed for trends over time to be non-linear and to vary by age. Findings The number of people aged 30–79 years with hypertension doubled from 1990 to 2019, from 331 (95% credible interval 306–359) million women and 317 (292–344) million men in 1990 to 626 (584–668) million women and 652 (604–698) million men in 2019, despite stable global age-standardised prevalence. In 2019, age-standardised hypertension prevalence was lowest in Canada and Peru for both men and women; in Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and some countries in western Europe including Switzerland, Spain, and the UK for women; and in several low-income and middle-income countries such as Eritrea, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Solomon Islands for men. Hypertension prevalence surpassed 50% for women in two countries and men in nine countries, in central and eastern Europe, central Asia, Oceania, and Latin America. Globally, 59% (55–62) of women and 49% (46–52) of men with hypertension reported a previous diagnosis of hypertension in 2019, and 47% (43–51) of women and 38% (35–41) of men were treated. Control rates among people with hypertension in 2019 were 23% (20–27) for women and 18% (16–21) for men. In 2019, treatment and control rates were highest in South Korea, Canada, and Iceland (treatment >70%; control >50%), followed by the USA, Costa Rica, Germany, Portugal, and Taiwan. Treatment rates were less than 25% for women and less than 20% for men in Nepal, Indonesia, and some countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania. Control rates were below 10% for women and men in these countries and for men in some countries in north Africa, central and south Asia, and eastern Europe. Treatment and control rates have improved in most countries since 1990, but we found little change in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania. Improvements were largest in high-income countries, central Europe, and some upper-middle-income and recently high-income countries including Costa Rica, Taiwan, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Brazil, Chile, Turkey, and Iran. Interpretation Improvements in the detection, treatment, and control of hypertension have varied substantially across countries, with some middle-income countries now outperforming most high-income nations. The dual approach of reducing hypertension prevalence through primary prevention and enhancing its treatment and control is achievable not only in high-income countries but also in low-income and middle-income settings

Heterogeneous contributions of change in population distribution of body mass index to change in obesity and underweight NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC)

From 1985 to 2016, the prevalence of underweight decreased, and that of obesity and severe obesity increased, in most regions, with significant variation in the magnitude of these changes across regions. We investigated how much change in mean body mass index (BMI) explains changes in the prevalence of underweight, obesity, and severe obesity in different regions using data from 2896 population-based studies with 187 million participants. Changes in the prevalence of underweight and total obesity, and to a lesser extent severe obesity, are largely driven by shifts in the distribution of BMI, with smaller contributions from changes in the shape of the distribution. In East and Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, the underweight tail of the BMI distribution was left behind as the distribution shifted. There is a need for policies that address all forms of malnutrition by making healthy foods accessible and affordable, while restricting unhealthy foods through fiscal and regulatory restrictions

Prevalence and contributing risk factors for hypertension in urban and rural areas of Pakistan; a study from second National Diabetes Survey of Pakistan (NDSP) 2016–2017

Aim: To assess the prevalence and its associated risk factors for hypertension in urban and rural areas of Pakistan. Methods: This study is the part of second National Diabetes Survey of Pakistan (NDSP) 2016–2017, a large community-based epidemiological survey. Hypertension was determined for urban/rural areas of all four provinces of Pakistan. Known hypertensives were considered as individuals with self-reported history of hypertension and/or taking any antihypertensive drug and newly diagnosed hypertension is defined; as systolic blood pressure was ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg. Detailed information of the survey participants were obtained from the second NDSP 2016–2017 predesigned questionnaire, which has been published earlier. Results: Overall, age adjusted weighted prevalence of hypertension was 46.2%, of which 24.9% had self-reported hypertension and 21.3% were newly diagnosed hypertensive. Prevalence of hypertension in urban and rural areas was 44.3% and 46.8%, respectively. Highest weighted prevalence of hypertension was observed in Punjab 49.2% followed by Sindh 46.3%, Baluchistan 40.9%, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 33.3%. Hypertension was more prevalent in rural areas compared to urban areas except in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where it was more prevalent in urban areas. Age, female gender, marital status, positive family history of hypertension, low physical activity, positive family history of diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia were significantly associated with hypertension. Conclusion: This study concludes that 46.2% prevalence of hypertension is alarming in Pakistan with its associated risk factors. Hence, implementation laws with lifestyle changes and educating people are required on urgent basis to control or reduce hypertension prevalence

Association of dietary patterns with glycated haemoglobin among Type 2 diabetics in Karachi, Pakistan

Background: Dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle are major risk factors for rapidly rising incidence of type 2 diabetes. Aim: This study aims to study the association of dietary patterns with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) among type 2 diabetics in Karachi. Setting: Individuals attending outpatient department of Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology (BIDE), Karachi, Pakistan. Design: Retrospective observational study. Methodology: A total of 3193 subject's data were available. Demographic, clinical parameters, food and nutrient intake were explored; patients were categorised into groups according to the adequacy of food intake. The nutrition care process at BIDE consists of getting details of 24-h diet recall. Academy of nutrition and dietetic food exchange system was used to estimate the food requirement, energy and macronutrient intakes. Statistical Analysis: Linear regression analysis was performed for establishing relationship of HbA1c. P < 0.05 was statistically significant. SPSS version 17.0 was used for the analysis. Results: Majority of the patients (89.5%) were above the age of 35 years, using oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHA) or insulin and being overweight or obese (88%). Mean HbA1c was significantly higher (P = 0.006) in cluster 1 (high cereal, vegetable and meat) as compared to cluster 2 (moderate cereal, high vegetable and moderate meat) and cluster 3 (low cereal, moderate vegetable and moderate meat). High percentage of dietary energy was found to be significant predictors of higher levels of HbA1c (P < 0.01). Females with type 2 diabetes using OHA or using OHA with Insulin following the prescribed diet pattern were associated with better glycaemic control. Conclusion: Significant association between dietary patterns and level of HbA1c was seen among type 2 diabetics. Dietary energy was found to be significant predictors of higher levels of HbA1c. Females with type 2 diabetes using OHA or using OHA with insulin following the prescribed diet pattern were associated with better glycaemic control

Association of depression and its treatment on the outcome of diabetic foot ulcer

Aim: This study aimed to assess depression symptoms among patients with diabetic foot ulcer and to compare the outcome of diabetic foot ulcer between normal participants and participants with depressive symptoms. Methodology: This prospective, observational study was conducted at Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology, after getting approval from ethics committee. Patients who were attending the foot clinic were invited to participate in the study. Diabetic foot ulcers were classified according to the University of Texas classification criteria. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Both groups were given standard diabetes and foot care treatment. In addition, antidepressant treatment was given to the participants with depressive symptoms for 3 months. After 3 months, PHQ-9 was again administered to the participants with depressive symptoms, and the outcome of foot ulcer was noted and compared to baseline data. Results: Of the total participants (n = 105), nearly half of them were found to have depressive symptoms (n = 53, 50.4%). At baseline, no significant difference was found in the distribution of hypertension, history of smoking and duration, grading and type of ulcers between normal participants and participants with depressive symptoms. Three months of antidepressant treatment brought significant improvement in the mean depression score (P ≤ 0.05). After 3 months, healing time of ulcers, rate of minor and major amputations, patients on treatment and patients who lost to follow-up were comparable between the groups. Conclusions: In this study, every second patient with diabetic foot ulcer was found to have depressive symptoms. Anti-depressive treatment alleviated depression and made foot ulcer outcome comparable to non-depressed patients