Estimating T2DM Risks Among Teachers in a Developing Country Using a Nomogram Comprising the Healthy Lifestyle Index...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Medical Informatics

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) poses a significant public health challenge.
• Teachers represent a population group where T2DM risk assessment is crucial for targeted interventions.
• Existing risk assessment tools may not fully capture the nuances of T2DM development in this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a nomogram for predicting T2DM risk in teachers.
• To identify key predictors, including the Healthy Lifestyle Index (HLI), associated with T2DM development.
• To create an accessible tool for teachers to estimate their future T2DM risk.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study involving 3477 teachers from the CLUSTer cohort.
• Data collection via RedCap, linked with the Malaysian National Diabetes Registry.
• Application of Cox proportional hazard models to identify significant T2DM predictors.
• Development of an interactive online nomogram based on identified predictors.

Main Results:

• A total of 697 (20.0%) teachers were diagnosed with T2DM during the follow-up period.
• The Cox regression model identified the HLI and 11 other predictors significantly associated with T2DM risk.
• The developed nomogram accurately predicted T2DM risk at five, seven, and nine years.
• Age, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and HLI were the most influential predictors in the nomogram.

Conclusions:

• A validated nomogram incorporating HLI and other predictors offers a novel approach to T2DM risk assessment in teachers.
• The interactive nomogram empowers teachers to understand and manage their T2DM risk proactively.
• This tool can facilitate early intervention strategies to mitigate the burden of T2DM in the teaching profession.