The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Turkish adults significantly increased from 6.6% in 2008 to 13.2% in 2022, with older age, female gender, and higher BMI identified as major risk factors.
Cross-Sectional (n=120,044)
Yes
What are the national trends and determinants of diabetes mellitus in Turkish adults from 2008 to 2022?
Diabetes prevalence in Turkiye nearly doubled from 2008 to 2022, highlighting the urgent need for targeted public health interventions addressing modifiable risk factors like obesity and physical inactivity.
Effect estimate: OR 1.78 (95% CI 1.63-1.94)
Absolute Event Rate: 13.2% vs 6.6%
p-value: p=<0.0001
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an escalating global health problem, and Turkiye is experiencing a particularly rapid rise in prevalence. Understanding national trends and associated risk factors is essential for developing targeted prevention and disease management strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of diabetes in Turkiye and identify associated demographic, anthropometric, behavioral, and familial risk factors using nationally representative surveys over 2008 to 2022. This cross-sectional analysis utilized pooled data from seven cycles of the Turkish Health Survey (2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2019, and 2022), comprising 120,044 adult participants. Diabetes status was self-reported. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were constructed for adults participants to investigate the association of diabetes likelihood with independent predictors, including age, gender, BMI, waist circumference, education, employment, physical activity, geographic region, and family history of diabetes. Diabetes prevalence increased significantly over time, from 6.6% in 2008 to 13.2% in 2022. Higher age, female gender, greater BMI and waist circumference, lower education level, and unemployment were independently associated with increased odds of diabetes. Physical activity—both moderate and vigorous—demonstrated reduced likelihood of DM, particularly with higher frequency. Regional variation was evident, with the Aegean and Middle Anatolia regions showing higher prevalence and Northeastern Anatolia the lowest. Having a diabetic parent was associated with an 89% increase in odds, while having a non-diabetic spouse was associated with a 32% reduction. Diabetes prevalence in Turkiye has nearly doubled over a time-span of 14 years and is associated with a range of modifiable sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. The findings highlight the need for nationwide, regionally fine-tuned, prevention and management programs targeting obesity, sedentary behavior, and social determinants of health, taking also into account the family history.
Yahya et al. (Thu,) conducted a cross-sectional in Diabetes Mellitus (n=120,044). The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Turkish adults significantly increased from 6.6% in 2008 to 13.2% in 2022, with older age, female gender, and higher BMI identified as major risk factors.