Diabetes Prevalence and Risk Factors Among Vietnamese Adults: Findings From Community-Based Screening Programs

Worldwide diabetes prevalence is projected to increase from 8.3% (382 million adults) in 2013 to 8.8% (592 million adults) by 2035 (1), with more than 80% of cases in low-and middle-income countries.Consistent with this global trend, estimated prevalence of diabetes in Vietnam has risen from 2.9% in 2010 (2) to 5.4% in 2013 (1).However, these estimates derive from studies of hospital admissions or small samples and underrepresent Vietnam's large rural population.We contribute to the literature by estimating the prevalence of diabetes and exploring its determinants using data from 2011-2013 community diabetes screening programs among adults in rural and urban areas of northern Vietnam.Eligible residents were nonpregnant individuals aged 30-69 years, with at least one risk factor for diabetes verified by physicians.Anthropometry and blood pressure were measured, and lifestyle factors were ascertained through a structured interview.Fasting and 2-h postload capillary glucose levels were determined and converted to the equivalent concentrations in plasma (3).The present analysis is based on 16,282 subjects aged 30-69 years (5,602 men and 10,680 women), using the 2006 World Health Organization diagnostic criteria for diabetes (4) and the 2009 Vietnam national population census for standardization.After standardization for age (10-year interval), sex, and urban versus rural 1