Effect of socio-economic status on the prevalence of diabetes

As Korean society has become industrialized and westernized, the prevalence of diabetes has increased rapidly. Environmental factors, especially socio-economic status (SES), may account for the increased prevalence of diabetes. We evaluated the associations between the prevalence of diabetes and SES as reflected by household income and education level.

This study was based on data obtained from the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, conducted in 2010-2012. Diabetes referred to a fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dL in the absence of known diabetes, previous diagnosis of diabetes made by a physician, and/or current use of oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin.

Household income and education level were inversely associated with the prevalence of diabetes among individuals aged 30 years or older. These associations were more prominent in females aged 30-64 years. According to household income, the odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] for the lowest quartile group versus the highest quartile group was 4.96 (2.87-8.58). According to education level, the OR (95% CI) for the lowest quartile group versus the highest quartile group was 8.02 (4.47-14.4).

Public policies for the prevention and management of diabetes should be targeted toward people of lower SES, especially middle-aged females.